Gebisa Ejeta

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Gebisa Ejeta's achievements are remarkable for their global impact. He is one of the few scientists to have won the World Food Prize, a recognition that places him among the most influential figures in agriculture. His development of Striga-resistant sorghum has been called a 'game-changer' for African farmers, with yield increases of up to 40% in some regions.His induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame is a rare honor for an agricultural scientist, underscoring the transformative nature of his work. Ejeta's legacy extends beyond research; he has trained a generation of African scientists and has been a powerful advocate for agricultural investment in developing countries.

AwardsEjeta's most prestigious award is the World Food Prize, which he won in 2009 for his contributions to sorghum improvement. He has also received a national medal of honor from the President of Ethiopia, recognizing his impact on food security. His induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2019 further highlights the practical significance of his inventions.

Honours & Distinctions

Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science

AAAS·2010

Elected for distinguished contributions to plant breeding and genetics.

Fellow, American Society of Agronomy

ASA·2005

Recognized for excellence in agronomic research.

Inductee, National Inventors Hall of Fame

NIHF·2019

Honored for inventing Striga-resistant sorghum hybrids.

Records & Feats

First to develop sorghum hybrids resistant to both drought and Striga

Scientific Achievement·1990

Ejeta's hybrids were the first to combine these two critical traits, dramatically improving yields in Africa.