American Experience Season 32 Episode 3 The Man Who Tried to Feed the World

In season 32, episode 3 of American Experience, viewers are introduced to the story of Norman Borlaug, a man often credited with saving countless lives through his work in agriculture and plant genetics. The episode, entitled "The Man Who Tried to Feed the World," offers a comprehensive look at Borlaug's life and legacy.

Born in 1914 in rural Iowa, Borlaug grew up on a family farm and developed a deep appreciation for the land and the hard work required to make a living from it. After studying forestry and plant pathology in college, Borlaug embarked on a career that would take him around the world and eventually earn him the Nobel Peace Prize.

At the heart of Borlaug's work was his belief that through innovation and cooperation, humanity could solve the problem of hunger. He looked to science to develop new varieties of crops that could withstand drought, disease, and pests, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that those crops made it into the hands of farmers in need.

The episode explores Borlaug's early work in Mexico, where he helped to develop a breed of high-yield wheat that proved crucial in alleviating famine in that country. From there, Borlaug continued to travel the world, sharing his knowledge and working with local farmers to introduce them to new, more efficient farming techniques.

The episode also touches on some of the criticisms of Borlaug's work, including concerns about the impact of industrial agriculture on the environment and the role of multinational corporations in controlling access to seeds and other resources. At the same time, however, the documentary shows the profound impact that Borlaug's work had on millions of people, many of whom were able to escape poverty and hunger thanks to his efforts.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a wealth of archival footage and interviews with people who knew Borlaug, including some of the farmers whose lives he changed forever. The documentary also features commentary from a range of experts, including historians, scientists, and economists, who help to contextualize Borlaug's legacy and its ongoing relevance to the fight against hunger today.

Overall, "The Man Who Tried to Feed the World" is an inspiring and thought-provoking look at a true visionary and humanitarian. It is a tribute to Borlaug's spirit of ingenuity and cooperation, and a reminder of the enormous potential that exists when we work together to address some of the world's most pressing problems.