40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World

by Howard G. Buffett

With a foreword by Warren Buffett, 40 Chances is an “inspiring manifesto…both an informative guidebook and a catalyst for igniting real changes” ( Booklist ) in the struggle against world hunger.

If someone granted you $3 billion to accomplish something great in the world, what would you do? In 2006, legendary investor Warren Buffett posed this challenge to his son Howard G. Buffett. Howard set out to help the most vulnerable people on earth—nearly a billion individuals who lack basic food security. And Howard gave himself a deadline: 40 years to put the resources to work on this challenge.

40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World captures Howard’s journey. Beginning with his love for farming, we join him around the world as he seeks out new approaches to ease the suffering of so many. Each of the 40 stories here provides a compelling look at the lessons Howard learned, ranging from his own backyard to some of the most difficult and dangerous places on Earth. But this message goes beyond the pages of this book, it’s also a mindset: a way of thinking that speaks to every person wanting to make a difference. It’s about reasons to hope and actions we can take. 40 Chances “recounts Howard’s personal and professional experiences in surprisingly candid and colorful fashion…successfully blending personal stories with a tough look at the struggle to fight domestic food scarcity and world hunger…A satisfying read” ( Publishers Weekly ) that provides inspiration to transform each of our limited chances into opportunities to change the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Economics, Food, Finance, Agriculture, Audiobook

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Howard G. Buffett is the Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a private family foundation working to improve the standard of living and quality of life for the world’s most impoverished and marginalized populations. A farmer, businessman, philanthropist, photographer, and former elected official, Howard has dedicated his life to addressing global food insecurity and conservation. He has traveled to 130 countries documenting the challenges of preserving our biodiversity while providing adequate resources to meet the needs of a growing global population. Howard is a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Against Hunger, and serves on the corporate boards of Berkshire Hathaway, The Coca-Cola Company, and Lindsay Corporation. He operates a 1,500-acre family farm in central Illinois and oversees three foundation-operated research farms, including over 1,400 acres in Arizona, 4,200 acres in Illinois, and 9,200 acres in South Africa. Howard has written extensively on conservation, wildlife, and the human condition. 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World documents the people, places, and experiences that have shaped his evolving views of the role of philanthropy in addressing the world’s most difficult challenges.

Reviews

[Michele Dubois · Rating 4 out of 5]

The jacket of this book gives no mention to what I believe is one of Buffet's most important and repetitive themes throughout his experiences: "cultural disconnects" and "philanthropic colonialism." Stories/Chapters 22 and 23 discuss these two problems when it comes to philanthropy. It gave me pause, as a Rotarian, about the global work of well-meaning organizations. I question whether or not we are as thoughtful as we should be when it comes to providing aid and assistance to the developing world. Westerners - I think - although well-intentioned, believe that our way of life is best. But our ways are not the ways of the rest of the world. We need to consult with and involve those who are receiving the aid in the process so that we can make a successful and lasting impact. I admire what Howard Buffet and his family have done with their wealth, education, and power. But most of all, I appreciate his respect for cultural differences and courage to explore new ways to solve world hunger. Bravo!

[Jennifer Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book showing the importance and the flaws of international development projects and food assistance interwoven with vivid stories by Buffett and his global travels. I was surprised by some elements such as the ability of NGOs to monetize food assistance and heartened by other elements such as Buffett's recognition that development needs to be locally driven to provide the best solutions. As a farmer, dietitian, and someone who has live and worked in food and agriculture in Southern Africa, I really connected with Buffett and his passion for improving the lives of people around the world by some other means than just a transposition of American solutions.

[Kate Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is well-written and well-researched, but my god, it's 400 pages of what feels like the same story. I found it interesting for the first ~150 pages and then it was a lot of skimming. The one-star rating is at least partly my fault, as well; I was unclear on the book's concept when I checked it out and am not in a "let me read about the plight of Africa" kind of mood, I guess. I did enjoy knowing that there are filthy rich people actually using their money to make a difference in the world, but it was sort of counterintuitively disheartening once I realized that you kind of need to be filthy rich to affect this sort of change. Anyway, not a fan. The end.

[Dee]

A powerful perspective on hunger in the world. Howard Buffett tells personal stories and gives us snapshots of his photography of the places he traveled. "Each of us has about 40 chances to accomplish our goals in life. I learned this first through agriculture, because all farmers can expect to have about 40 growing seasons, giving them just 40 chances to improve on every harvest." HGB. A good quote that sums up the book and life.

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a sweeping new book, farmer, humanitarian, businessman, politician, photographer and risk-taker, Howard G. Buffett, founder and president of the philanthropic organization which bears his name, Howard G. Buffett Foundation, has laid out a determined road-map with an objective of ending hunger and poverty for the world's nearly one billion persistently disadvantaged populaces by 2045. Howard G. Buffett has chalked out a plan to invest more than $3 billion in a gamble to find answers to confront global food and water security issues. Buffett's new book, 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World, written with his son Howard W. Buffett, is a historic account of their journey to explore new approaches to help the world's most vulnerable people. Howard G. Buffett and Howard W. Buffett share their ideas and thoughts on the current global food security challenges and present opportunities for all to participate in their pursuit to end global hunger.

40 Chances is more than a book. It's a message with five empowering principles we can use every day:
Principle No. 1 - Roots: Seize opportunities that excite you, even if they start out seemingly small.
Principle No. 2 - Bravery: From time to time, you've got to do something you don't necessarily know how to do.
Principle No. 3 - Lessons: Harvest the right lessons and don't fear mistakes; grow from each of your efforts.
Principle No. 4 - Challenges: Sometimes our resources and expertise do not match the needs of a given situation, so we have to be adaptable.
Principle No. 5 - Hope: Make the most of your 40 Chances today, while preparing for the future - know that you're spending your chances wisely.

In life you only have about 40 productive years to make an impact on the world. Discover the message beyond the book. Learn about the 40 Chances mindset. Discover ways to incorporate 40 Chances into your life.

40 Chances gives us all inspiration to transform each of our limited chances into opportunities to change the world. Join Howard in his quest to impact the world positively!

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I disagree with some of Buffett's opinions, this was a good overview of many of the global issues with agriculture and the various organizations trying to solve them. He is obviously not a writer, and I struggled to connect with some of his stories. It bothered me that he didn't once mention the issue of food waste, and how making better use of the food we do have could alleviate many hunger issues. I did like that he talked extensively on the importance of soil and conservation farming, and the need to reform US farming subsidies. I'm interested in the food insecurity map he created and will look into it further: http://www.40chances.com/mmg/.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really made an impression on me. The author takes on the task of explaining to the rest of us what an enormous task it is to tackle the problem of "food insecurity" around the world and also your own "backyard". He doesn't shy away from making specific suggestions for better agriculture, as well as, addressing how funds are spent and supplies are distributed by organizations and governments. Thank you, Howard Buffett, for opening my eyes and making me care enough to learn more.

[Correen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buffett talks in a casual voice of his experiences, programs, successes, failures, analyses, and conclusions about agricultural philanthropy, food insecurity, farming methods, and more. He seems forthright, organized, and informed in his presentation. His book is easy to read and the information is engrossing. It is a good introduction for those of us who are not involved but write occasional checks to charities and a resource for those who are more involved.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Forty Chances” is a sobering reminder or the real problems in the world. Gaps are carved throughout history allowing the emergence of tyrant and sadistic people. In the wake of their ravage are masses of good people that were just trying to survive. Mr. Buffet comes from a family of enormous wealth and finds a way to shine a light on the global issues of hunger. He weaves through stories to show that hunger is not a simple problem cured with more food contributions. It is a complicated situation that involves farming, environment, war, education, government, and cultural differences to name but a few aspects. The people most affected do not have the time or energy to worry about what caused their situation; all effort and resources are placed on survival. Can you imaging your daily existence devoted to just making it to tomorrow? As a person that spent years working in agricultural research, I appreciate that Mr. Buffet is looks at global problems from the perspective of a farmer, examining issues from as far away as Timbuktu and as close as his local soup kitchen. He is able to convey his experience and desire to help people that suffer from hunger and in doing so build a better world for all. Many of the lessons harken back to what his father strives for in finance: building strong businesses that support communities and create stability.

[Aaron Thibeault · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A full executive summary of this book is available here: http://newbooksinbrief.com/2013/11/19...

The main argument: In the developed world, the vast majority of us enjoy a standard of living unmatched in the history of humankind—and going hungry is the last thing on our minds. Nevertheless, it cannot be said that poverty and hunger have been eradicated in the developed world entirely (in the United States, for example, 1 in 6 are considered food insecure—including 16 million children). Still, the greatest problems with poverty and hunger continue to exist in the developing world. Indeed, despite substantial improvements over the past 30 years, poverty remains a significant issue, and nearly a billion of the world’s 7 billion people still face chronic hunger (while about twice that number are malnourished in some way)—and millions starve to death every year.

It is not that many well intentioned people and organizations have not spent a great deal of time and money trying to solve the world’s poverty and hunger issues. Indeed, over the past half century the amount of resources that have been poured into these problems is staggering. So, just why do the problems of poverty and hunger stubbornly persist?

Well, at least part of it has to do with the fact that there are several significant obstacles standing in the way—everything from armed conflict, to corrupt governments, to particular cultural practices etc. The humanitarian Howard G. Buffet has been involved in fighting poverty and hunger for upwards of 30 years, and knows these obstacles all too well. However, Buffet insists that there is yet another reason why all of the well-intentioned efforts have fallen short of reaching their ultimate goal. And that is that many of the approaches have proven to be inadequate (if not downright counter-productive).

The fact is that most of the aid flowing to the poorest parts of the world has been (and continues to be) in the form of projects that are meant to help people in the short-term. For example, NGOs commonly enter an area, drop off bags of seed and fertilizer, and then turn around and leave. This approach may help the area for a season or two, but in the end the seed and fertilizer do run out, and the community is right back to square one. Thus the approach acts more as a band-aid, than a self-sustaining solution that addresses the root causes of poverty and hunger.

Thankfully, in Buffet’s 30 years of work as a philanthropist he has learned that there is indeed a better approach, and one that stands a much better chance of rooting out poverty and hunger for good. The more effective approach is much less about aid as development—less about helping people as enabling people to help themselves.

The development approach involves linking subsistence farmers up with the larger economy, and establishing a self-sustaining ecosystem that will allow this connection to be maintained into the future. It involves things like helping to establish agricultural schools and private seed companies; working with farmers to improve farming techniques and yields (and not in a way that assumes that what has worked well in one place—or one’s own backyard—will work everywhere); establishing grain storage systems; physically connecting farmers to markets; and working with governments to establish and maintain the infrastructure (especially roads) needed to make the system work smoothly.

The development approach may be more involved and take longer to get off the ground, but it pays off in the end, as when it is done well, it only has to be done once (Buffet speaks often about NGOs needing to take an approach that ultimately puts themselves out of business).

And helping impoverished farmers join the larger economy is not just a matter of helping them help themselves. The fact is that the world’s population is continuing to grow, while we are running out of good farmland to farm. The UN estimates that in order to feed the world’s projected 9 billion people by 2050, farmers everywhere will need to increase the planet’s food production by 70%. Part of the solution to this problem must involve helping the world’s subsistence farmers to produce a surplus to help everyone.

But the solution doesn’t end there. Farmers everywhere, including in the developed world, will need to increase their yields to meet the growing demand. However—and this is important—farmers will need to increase their yields in a sustainable way. That is, they will need to do so in a way that does not degrade the soil, or threaten the world’s fresh water or woodlands—as too often happens now.

Thankfully, Buffet’s experience as a farmer (which he has been practicing even longer than philanthropy) has shown him that here too there is a solution. And a big part of this solution is a very straightforward approach known as no-till farming. No-till farming is an approach that eschews tilling the soil in favor of planting nitrogen-fixing cover crops. The approach not only increases water retention, saves soil, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, it also helps increase yields (and thus it’s a win-win solution). Now it’s just a matter of convincing other farmers of this—which is a big part of Buffet’s project.

This is a fantastic book. Don't let the fact that Buffet is the son of one of the wealthiest men on the planet dissuade you from taking him seriously. The author may have had a head start in life, but he stands on his own two legs, and he has used his privileged position to help him gain perspective (rather than let it make him arrogant and entitled). Anyone interested in the hunger problem (and the best way to approach it) would be well advised to read this book. A full executive summary of the book is available here: http://newbooksinbrief.com/2013/11/19... A podcast discussion of the book will be available soon.

[Jon Manchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is Howard Buffett, son of Warren Buffett. In his words, the book is a collection of forty stories about how his early life, the last fifteen years' of grant making, and his travels to 130 countries have shaped his thinking about philanthropy and what we need to do differently if we really want to address global food insecurity.

Buffett is a farmer in Decatur, IL, but he also leads the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. He and his two siblings were each initially given $26.5 million to launch their own foundations. Later, they each received an additional $51.6 million from their mom's estate, and eventually their Dad (Warren) pledged $1 billion to each, before doubling that amount. Bottom line, they were given an incredible opportunity to make a difference, and it is clear from this book that Howard has fully embraced that opportunity. As he says, giving away money is a complicated business. He does a great job of explaining the various issues that complicate philanthropy.

Given his keen interest in agriculture, his Foundation has devoted a lot of resources to battling food insecurity around the globe, particularly in Africa. I learned a tremendous amount reading this book, but the one thing that really stuck out was his emphasis on improving soil quality, and conserving soil (no-till farming, e.g.), while acknowledging that every farmer faces a unique ecosystem in which to operate (more difficult outside the "fertility belt"). I was also very impressed that he has been willing to travel to Afghanistan and South Sudan and numerous countries where his life could be at risk, all in the name of helping the locals improve yields and establish the needed infrastructure to support agriculture. Fascinating book, really.

[Bob Schnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books on philanthropy aren't usually high on my reading list but a pre-pub copy of Forty Chances landed on my desk at the right time. HGB's sincere efforts to help solve world hunger are well-articulated and eye-opening, often for his honesty in outlining how some of his best efforts ran afoul of unintended consequences. It is a tricky business and I applaud his stamina and fortitude in not just throwing money at the problem and pretending its doing good. I was especially struck by his arguments for GMOs and how Monsanto is actually doing a lot of good around the world. I still think some of Monsanto's business practices stink and I would not buy GMO products for myself, but I have a better perspective on the situation. The best thing I learned from this book is how to make better decisions regarding which charities in the field to suppport.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things that I look for in a book is that it helps me see things differently. This book did. Each chapter looked at hunger in one (or more) parts of the world and considered it systemically. On the one hand, Buffett and his son present daunting pictures of what we need to do to eradicate hunger, while on the other hand their commitment, hard work, and "pessimistic optimism" leave me hopeful. I'm also hopeful when I see someone from as privileged a background as Buffett--he's Warren Buffett's son--who puts as much time, money, and effort into addressing world hunger. Well done!

[Johnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very lucky to receive an advance copy! Fascinating and timely read. Global yet so close to home, too. Shared this book with my son (he's 17). He also appreciated the perspective.

[Amy Dance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warren Buffet's son recounts his & others' efforts to make lasting change in the world- specifically through agriculture & seeking to prevent hunger. Thru a framework of "40 chances", he illustrates what has worked, what has failed, what hopeful changes are happening, & what he has learned & how he has modified his approach to philanthropy to be more effective.
The 40 chances came from a speech he heard that farmer's had about 40 seasons or chances in their lifetime to make a difference. The book is broken into 40 short lessons/stories that explain his efforts. it is a story of constantly refining efforts to try to do better.

Some lessons learned:
1. the solution must fit the location. ex. what works in Guatemala can't be exported & duplicated in Liberia.
2. you must include the local people- ask what is needed, respect local customs, train locals to run the program when you are gone- have an exit plan.
3. good infrastructure & creating a value chain is key to success. farmers need more than seeds & fertilizer- they need education, storage for crops, transportation to markets, etc
4. local governments must invest in their own people for change- support for ag & conservation, build reliable infrastructure, create peace & stability.


I found this book fascinating & hopeful that real change for the good can be accomplished for the long term if the right approaches are implemented.

[Walter A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through 40 stories, the Buffet's reveal a world of food security issues for now and the future. I thought the stories were good illustrations of the multiple problems we are facing and provided information on the reasons some areas, mainly Africa, struggle with feeding themselves.

My eyes were opened to some very interesting problems and creative solutions. The combination of people interviewed and described ranges from common farmers in the US and overseas and a few famous people like Eva Longoria, Tony Blair and Bono and it really makes the stories relatable.

I found the story "Farming under Fire" very interesting for both describing the problem and the solutions implemented. In this story, "Fire' means being shot at.

My own father began using no-till methods in 1972 so it was surprising to learn how many farmers are NOT using this approach currently!

[Breakingviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

By Jeffrey Goldfarb

Warren Buffett has made billions of dollars investing and his farmer son is helping give them away. In the new book “Forty Chances,” Howard Graham Buffett chronicles his efforts with his own son Howard Warren to combat the mind-boggling inefficiencies and bad philanthropic habits that get in the way of ending world hunger. It’s hard at times to relate to the plight, but reassuring to know the Buffett family is on the case.

The conceit of the book enlists a classic bit of the folksy Buffett appeal. At a weekend winter “Planter’s School” event, a speaker imparts the idea that while the task of producing food can feel like a perpetual cycle of seeding and harvesting, each farmer really only has about 40 growing seasons to maximize a crop. The lecture hit home for Buffett (the surname, unless otherwise specified, refers throughout to the Oracle of Omaha’s son, Howard G.), who realized the message extended beyond farming. He refocused his charitable foundation, created in 2006 with funds donated by his parents, on finding ways to feed hungry people.

The organization has given itself 40 chances. It intends to disperse its $3 billion and, as Buffett puts it, go out of business by 2045. The book, meanwhile, is mostly a series of 40 vignettes about the struggles and triumphs of those in need of aid and others trying to provide it.

Buffett finds himself in a unique position to effect change. Not only does he possess the necessary financial resources, but he has also had the benefit of working the earth and growing up under the tutelage of an accomplished capitalist. He subtly and perhaps even unintentionally alludes to the point when he explains: “I have rarely seen a farmer who is a great economist, an outstanding academic, or a successful politician, but the inverse is also true.”

To his great credit, Buffett doesn’t just sit in an office in Decatur, Illinois, reading agricultural journals and signing checks. He spends a lot of time muddying his boots in impoverished and dangerous areas like South Sudan and Sierra Leone, engaging with children, farmers and warlords. Buffett, like his father, has a knack for telling a story simply. Some of them are heartbreaking, others inspiring. Many are immensely frustrating.

One of the lasting impressions of “Forty Chances” is that agriculture is among the most inefficient markets in the world. Buffett is disarmingly blunt about the shortcomings. He criticizes everything from outdated and poorly designed government policies, including certain U.S. subsidies, to technical failings like the global habits of using too much fertilizer, excessive tilling and the lack of new seeds available to African farmers who grow primarily to feed themselves.

There are the problems of “philanthropic colonialism” and the head-scratching practice by some non-governmental organizations of selling donated food – and thus distorting prices – to raise funds for other projects.

Having grown up on the oddly contrarian idea of investing for the long term, Buffett and his son find that problematic short-term thinking isn’t confined to the for-profit world. NGOs are in the habit of giving away goods, ignoring or overlooking the unintended consequence that it creates a pattern of expectation among the recipients and prevents the development of local markets.

Buffett cites the work of Zambian economist Dambisa Moyo, who in 2009 said the developed world sent some $1 trillion in aid to Africa over the course of a half century only to have the continent’s per capita income decline from where it had been in the 1970s.

Buffett’s concerns about multinational NGOs are palpable. They can’t seem to break their bad cycles because donors want to see results before they commit more funds. Such groups also have problems of their own making. “Their size and bureaucracy stifle their ability to solve problems on a large scale where it seems they should be able to operate,” Buffett writes. “They focus on projects and activities, not enough on outcomes, and not enough on learning to work together instead of competing for the same dollars in the same way.”

There are plenty of successes from which to learn, too, including in governments that have a monopoly on protecting land rights and enforcing contracts. For example, Buffett extols the work of Brazilian officials, whose agricultural policies and research since the 1970s have sharply reduced the country’s proportion of undernourished citizens and the prevalence of underweight children. He sees it as a possible model for Africa, which faces similar problems of tired soil and growing populations.

Of course, he is also still a Buffett, and knows the importance of aligning interests. Finding ways to ensure that farmers own the land on which they work is an important aim.

The younger Buffett, meanwhile, sees some hope in technology. In one of the chapters he contributes, Howard W. Buffett focuses on the “farmer of the future.” Clay Mitchell, an Iowa farmer who splits his time in San Francisco, pioneered the use of GPS-steered farm equipment in the Midwest and hand-tagged bar codes on corn plants to help measure stalk thickness and water penetration in an effort to improve productivity and to help the United States keep up with cutting-edge practices being advanced in other countries.

Ultimately, “Forty Chances” educates and enlightens without coming off as a polemic. That also means, however, that it doesn’t necessarily function as the call to action Buffett intends. There is an accompanying website with ways for readers to help, but the huge financial sums and structural challenges involved also feel daunting. It’s at least comforting to know that three generations of Buffett aren’t intimidated.

[Rachel G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it possible to end world hunger? Maybe, but we are going to have to get serious about soil conservation and improving agricultural techniques.
I really appreciated Howard Buffett’s accounts of different non-profits around the world, what aid strategies seem to be working, and what needs to change. There are so many needs - it is heartbreaking to think about the millions of people who do not have enough to eat or drink, or a place to live, or a job providing a source of income.
My family is very involved in soil health and conservation, and I was glad to learn more about specific people and ideas that are helping change the world of farming.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took a long time for me to read because the writing style was pretty matter of fact and each chapter sort of stood on its own merits. The author is Warren Buffett (Howard's son), and he expounds upon very pragmatic ways to address world hunger. Howard is a native of Decatur, Illinois, where he farms and currently serves as Sheriff. He also is quite a philanthropist. This book covers the many experiences he's had on his travels to distant lands where he has partnered with many different international agencies intent on ending hunger. Howard shares the successes and failures he encountered. This is a fascinating read, full of good advice and observations.

[Wulan Suci Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book about Howard Buffet’s long battle against food insecurity (especially in Africa), that reminds me to be more grateful in life and helps me define luxury differently. It tells me, having chance to make mistake in life and recalibrate after it is a luxury!

We all know, more than 80% people in this world earn less than $1 per day, but we often don’t get it. We often forget the long process happened before the food reaches our table, and we didn’t even realize on the possibility that someone who work whole day on our food could go to bed at night without a meal, because of poverty!

This book has sharpened my life purpose,a great one to read.

[Pat Delwiche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe the most important concept I gained from reading this book came in the form of questions: does food aid reduce or enhance violence? Does hunger beget war, or is it the result of war? There are no clear answers, but the questions make one question the wisdom of international aid to food-insecure parts of the globe. Addressing hunger in many parts of the world has been one of the goals of the Buffett family; this book explains the path their philanthropy has taken, while simultaneously addressing the challenges of “exporting” farming technology to developing countries. Very readable, very informative.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I read it leading up to a forum with the man himself about local efforts taking place for food sustainability research. He is an inspiration.

Howard shares his rich life experiences on his journey to cure world hunger with a no-nonsense story telling finesse that makes this non-fiction a page turner. I love his logical, realist approach to this ever-complex problem and his astute observations that solutions to hunger will differ greatly throughout the world. I recommend this book to anyone who is working towards food insecurity solutions for an inspirational, educational read on the different approaches to this problem throughout the world.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Howard Buffet is an Illinois farmer and believes in a farmer's lifetime, he has 40 chances to get the planting and harvesting done "right". He is a hands-on farmer. He is also the son of billionaire Warren Buffet, and has been endowed with a great deal of money. His philanthropic efforts are all geared to eradicating food insecurity. Each chapter is a different location in the world and a different experience (positives and failures) in his effort to work toward that goal. A VERY sobering book!

[Deacon James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read about addressing the global problem of hunger and food insecurity. As a farmer, Howard Buffett is largely down to earth and practical, and he brings that mentality to the foundation he leads. Attempting to solve such a massive problem on a worldwide scale is daunting at best, but he does a great job laying out many of the individual challenges while presenting reasonable ways to approach with solutions.

Buffett lays out just how bad the problem is across much of the world, while providing the glimmer of hope that things can get better.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t expect to be inspired by a book written by a billionaire, but I totally was. Some really horrific stories about bad things going on all over the world. Definitely a reality check. But made me want to do something good with my life. Also helped me rethink the role of philanthropy and what it can and cannot accomplish. Interesting look into the political tangles of trying to give foreign aid.

[Theresa]

From experience and for many well intentioned reasons, Buffett has a great deal to say about farming practices in various parts of the world, including Iowa. My family has practiced no-till farming in Iowa since the 1970s. I've never heard anyone say they were worried about how it looked. Or that the women inheriting farms weren't paying attention to productive land management and farming practices.

[Nikhil & Rucha Gadre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very well written and the research behind every story is fascinating. It took a long time to finish this book not because the stories felt repetitive but because it makes you think and re-think about your own understanding of the challenges associated with food insecurity. If you are someone who is interested and eager to learn about global issues causing food insecurity or increasing hunger, this book is highly recommend.

[Ron Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the descriptions of food and relief projects in many different countries in Africa, Central America, and Europe, and Howard Buffet's theories on farming and philanthropy. The arguments for no-till farming got a little repetitive, but were quite convincing. I was especially intrigued by the reflection on effective and ineffective aid. Trying to do good is not a simple undertaking.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a class, and I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. (Another rich white guy trying to atone, or whatever?! Pass...) But Buffet is actually a pretty good writer, and mixes the lessons in with his incredible stories. Even though it was assigned, I'm glad I read it, and if you want something concrete but light, I'd recommend it.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the lean towards food security and research in emerging countries. He also briefly touched on the importance of soil and the need to educate people on where food comes from and the importance of farmers. The lesson I will take with me is to make sure you thoroughly understand the problem before you go in and try to fix it. What worked in one region may not work in another.