JEF in the Media

Kanayo F. Nwanze began his term as IFAD’s fifth President on 1 April 2009. He brings to the job nearly 30 years of experience across three continents in poverty reduction through agriculture, rural development and research. During his 10 years as Director- General of the Africa Rice Centre (WARDA), Nwanze was instrumental in introducing and promoting New Rice for Africa (NERICA), a high-yield, drought- and pest-resistant rice variety developed specifically for the African landscape. He transformed WARDA from an association covering only countries in West Africa to an Africa-wide organization with an international reputation for excellence. He also held senior positions at a number of research centres affiliated with the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), where he promoted public- and private-sector partnerships. Nwanze served as IFAD’s Vice-President for two years before taking the organization’s helm. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 1971, and a Doctorate in Agricultural Entomology from Kansas State University in the United States of America in 1975. He has published extensively, is a member of several scientific associations and has served on the executive boards of various institutions. He has received numerous prizes and awards.