Gates Foundation contributes $24 million to soil quality research

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which was set up by the Microsoft entrepreneurial family, has entered into a partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to research soil quality and the efficiency of crops in African nations.

Aspects such as crops' resistance to insects, drought, disease and soil quality will be explored using the $24 million (£16.8 million) submitted by the Gates Foundation and a further $24 million from the NSF.

It also aims to encourage scientists internationally to greater contribute to researching and improving upon these issues in Africa in the future.

Rob Horsch, deputy director of the Gates Foundation's agricultural development initiative, stated: "This partnership with the NSF is an exciting opportunity to tap into the most innovative, transformative ideas the global scientific community can offer."

One of the 15 basic principals of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the belief that "science and technology have great potential to improve lives around the world".