WASHINGTON — Dr. Gebisa Ejeta, an Ethiopian scientist and faculty member at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., has been named the 2009 World Food Prize laureate for his contributions in the production of sorghum. His work dramatically has enhanced the food supply of hundreds of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Ejeta was announced as the winner of the award at a June 11 ceremony at the U.S. State Department. The ceremony included Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. "By ridding Africa of the greatest biological impediment to food production, Dr. Ejeta has put himself in the company of some of the greatest researchers and scientists recognized by this award over the past 23 years," Mr. Vilsack said. "The Obama administration is inspired by the tireless efforts Dr. Ejeta has demonstrated in the battle to eliminate food insecurity and is committed to employing a comprehensive approach to tackle the scourge of world hunger."