CGIAR mourns Africa’s agric expert, Kanayo Nwanze

Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has mourned the loss of a giant in the world of agricultural research for development, Dr. Kanayo Nwanze. He died on Sunday, in Lagos.

CGIAR is a global partnership among 15 international research centres in the United Nations.

Nwanze was also a distinguished leader whose unwavering dedication had a profound impact on global food security.

Dr. Nwanze’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he held pivotal roles that shaped the future of agriculture. As Director-General of the Africa Rice Centre (formerly WARDA), he 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. His leadership at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (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, Dr. Nwanze was a mentor and visionary. His academic journey was global from the onset, going from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, to Kansas State University, 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 recognized with honorary degrees from McGill University, Canada, and the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, as well as numerous honors and awards from governments and international institutions.

Dr. Nwanze’s passion for Africa’s development when he said: “As many 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 Centers on the Nominations Committee of the System Council. He also represented CGIAR externally and was the special representative to the UN Food Systems Summit.