ICRISAT Mourns the Loss of Dr Kanayo F Nwanze
A message of condolence
ICRISAT mourns the loss of Dr Kanayo F Nwanze, a giant in agricultural research for development and a distinguished leader whose unwavering dedication profoundly impacted global food security.
His illustrious career spanned over four decades, shaping the trajectory of agricultural research and development.
Dr Nwanze held several senior positions at ICRISAT from 1979 to 1996, where he played a pivotal role in improving the livelihoods of farmers in the semi-arid tropics, including the opening of the Sahelian Center in Niamey as Head of the Program (1981-1985). His legacy is enshrined at ICRISAT, where the Crop Protection Laboratory bears his name.
Dr Nwanze's 2014 visit to ICRISAT reaffirmed his appreciation for innovations in watershed management, ICT, and agribusiness platforms. During his visit to ICRISAT’s Center of Excellence in Genomics, he expressed his admiration for the work being conducted on pigeonpea genome sequencing and how scientists were leveraging genome technology to accelerate the identification of genes for drought and disease resistance, significantly advancing plant breeding.
Beyond ICRISAT: As Director-General of the Africa Rice Center (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. As President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), he championed smallholder farmers. His dedication to Africa’s development remained steadfast, as he often stated, “Africa has, and will always have, a special place in my heart.”
Dr Nwanze played a crucial role in CGIAR’s evolution, serving on the System Management Board, chairing the AfricaRice board, and co-chairing the Unified Governance Review in 2023. He was also CGIAR’s special representative to the UN Food Systems Summit, advocating for agricultural research as a key driver of food security and rural development.
Dr Nwanze was not only a distinguished professional but also a mentor and visionary. His global academic journey spanned from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, to Kansas State University, USA. A respected member of several scientific associations, he published widely, sharing his expertise with the global community. His contributions earned honorary degrees from McGill University, Canada, and the University of Warwick, UK, along with numerous awards from governments and international institutions.
On behalf of the entire agricultural research community, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr Nwanze’s family, friends, and colleagues. His vision, passion, and indelible legacy will continue to inspire and guide efforts toward a hunger-free world.