Who We Are: The International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international organization undertaking agricultural research for development in climate-vulnerable regions in Central and West Asia, North Africa and the Middle East.
With our network of 13 country offices covering the non-tropical dry areas from Morocco to the Arabian Peninsula, Uzbekistan and India, we provide innovative, science-based solutions for small-holder farmers. Our research aims to reduce poverty and enhance food, water and nutritional security and environmental health in the face of global challenges including climate change.
ICARDA’s research priorities focus on climate-smart crops, crop-livestock systems and soil-water-agronomy innovations. ICARDA also engages in research to empower women and youth, upscale of proven technologies, digitalize of research and conserve regional biodiversity in the ICARDA genebanks in Lebanon and Morocco. ICARDA also provides evidence-based research and data to support decisionmakers on socioeconomic objectives such as better agricultural practices, more inclusive market access, gender-sensitive targeting of land and livestock management, and better scaling of technologies. ICARDA is a member of the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the world’s biggest non-profit agricultural research partnership.
What We Do At COP29: ICARDA will emphasize the critical need for enhanced international collaboration to drive a climate-resilient revolution in food, land, and water systems, fortifying global food security. Our delegation, led by ICARDA’s DG Aly Abousabaa, will spotlight ICARDA’s pioneering agricultural innovations and advocate for increased worldwide investment in dryland research, highlighting the intricate nexus linking climate, peace, and food security, along with the significant environmental repercussions of food loss and waste, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the delegation will seek partner input during a consultation on CGIAR’s Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands, harnessing state-of-the-art technologies and fostering tailored synergies to address specific dryland challenges like climate change, desertification, and water scarcity. Co-led by ICARDA and ICRISAT, this strategy is set for imminent publication.
COP29 Events Co-Hosted By ICARDA:
Shaping a Sustainable Future: A Consultation on CGIAR’s Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands – Hosted by ICARDA and ICRISAT – Wednesday, 13 November, 15:00 – 16:30 – Food & Agriculture Pavilion of CGIAR & FAO
Integrated Solutions for Climate Resilience, Peace and Food Security in the MENA Region – Hosted by ICARDA and the Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT – Friday, 15 November, 9:00 – 10:30 – Food & Agriculture Pavilion of CGIAR & FAO
Think Global, Act Local – Food Loss and Waste for Climate Change Adaptation for Security in the Global South – Hosted by IFPRI and ICARDA – Wednesday, 20 November, 13:15 – 14:45 – Official Side Event 4, Green Zone Water Pavilion
A Just Transition in the Agrifood System in the Context of the Harmoniya Initiative – Hosted by ICARDA and CGIAR – Thursday, 21 November – 15:00 – 16:30 – Food & Agriculture Pavilion of CGIAR & FAO
ICARDA’s Delegation at COP29:
Aly Abousabaa – ICARDA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Central & Western Asia & Northern Africa (CWANA)
Michael Baum – ICARDA Deputy Director General & Research Team Leader
Vinay Nangia – ICARDA Soils, Waters & Agronomy Research Team Leader
Akmal Akramkhanov – Senior Scientist Sustainable Land Management & Regional Manager of ICARDA’s Central Asia Country Office
James Pursey – ICARDA Senior Communications Manager
Isbandiyar Valiyev – ICARDA Resource Mobilization Officer
