CGIAR mourns research icon, Kanayo Nwanze

The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has an International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) leader, Dr. Kanayo Nwanze.

The Nigerian was a giant in the world of agricultural research for development and a distinguished leader, whose unwavering dedication had a profound impact on global food security.

Nwanze’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he held pivotal roles that shaped the future of agriculture.

The global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis, said in a statement that, as a former Director-General of the Africa Rice Centre (formerly WARDA), Dr Nwanze was instrumental in introducing and promoting the New Rice for Africa (NERICA), a high-yield, drought- and pest-resistant variety tailored for the African landscape.

According to CGIAR, his leadership at IFAD as President further underscored his commitment to placing agriculture at the forefront of international development, ensuring that the voices of smallholder farmers and rural communities were heard and addressed.

Beyond his professional achievements, Nwanze was a mentor and visionary.

His academic journey was global from the onset, beginning at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and continuing to Kansas State University, United States of America (USA).

He was a respected member of several scientific associations and published extensively, sharing his vast knowledge and insights with the global community. His contributions were recognised with honorary degrees from McGill University, Canada, and the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, as well as numerous honours and awards from governments and international institutions.

Nwanze’s passion for Africa’s development was evident in his own words: “As many of you will know, I am an African born in Nigeria. And although my professional life has taken me to three other continents, Africa has, and will always have, a special place in my heart.”

More recently, he played a huge role in leading CGIAR’s evolution, serving on the System Management Board, chairing the AfricaRice board, co-chairing the committee that stewarded the Unified Governance Review in 2023, and representing the General Assembly of Centres on the Nominations Committee of the System Council.

He also represented CGIAR externally and was its special representative at the UN Food Systems Summit.