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Department for International Development

Delivering on global responsibilities

UK bioscience helps to tackle major global challenges such as the impact of climate change, food security and the threat of disease.

Sustainable agriculture research for international development

In addition to ongoing research relevant to developing countries, in areas such as animal health and crop diseases, BBSRC has launched a £7.5M programme with the Department for International Development (DFID). Sustainable agriculture for international development development is focused on translating UK research on crop science into practical solutions and benefits in the developing world.

Combating infectious diseases of livestock for international development

Up to £9.5M is available from DFID, BBSRC and the Scottish Government to support high-quality basic and strategic biological and biotechnological research into infectious diseases of the principal livestock species in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The aim is to enhance the livelihoods of the poor in these regions by improving livestock health, welfare and productivity by enabling more effective sustainable management of livestock diseases.

Case studies

Nematode-resistant bananas

Technology developed with BBSRC and DFID funding at the University of Leeds and the John Innes Centre is being used to develop varieties of banana (see picture, right) that can resist attack by nematode worms.

Halting armyworm rampage with biological pesticide

The African armyworm (see picture, left) is a major migratory insect pest, which feeds voraciously on cereal crops. Using a radical new solution, researchers from the UK, Canada and Tanzania will investigate the use of a naturally occurring virus in armyworms with a view to using it as a biological pesticide.