Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes Appointed as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum

In a significant leadership development for global agricultural advocacy, Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, the outgoing Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), is set to take up the role of Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) in mid-November 2024. Known for her dedication to sustainable agriculture and food security, Dr. Hughes brings a wealth of expertise and experience to WAF, a platform instrumental in shaping the future of agriculture worldwide.

An Exemplary Career in Agricultural Research and Development

With an impressive career spanning over 30 years, Dr. Hughes has built a strong reputation in agricultural research for development, particularly in the fields of sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development. Her contributions have positively impacted some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, including Africa and Asia. Dr. Hughes’ leadership at ICRISAT reflects her commitment to tackling global challenges, making her an ideal fit for WAF’s mission to promote sustainable agricultural transformation.

Academic Background and Career Beginnings in Ghana

Dr. Hughes’ career began in the United Kingdom, where she completed her PhD at Reading University and later engaged in postdoctoral research. Early in her career, she worked with national partners in Ghana, gaining firsthand experience with agricultural challenges in developing regions. Her background in plant virology and her strong interest in remote sensing, digitalization, and gender equity have equipped her with the necessary skills and insights to address agricultural issues at a global scale.

Leadership Roles Across Africa and Asia

Dr. Hughes has held numerous leadership roles in prominent agricultural research institutes across Africa and Asia, including the last four years as Director General at ICRISAT. Her work with international institutions has given her a deep understanding of regional agricultural challenges, from crop resilience in semi-arid climates to rural community development. Dr. Hughes’ career is marked by her ability to navigate complex environments and promote impactful agricultural solutions, leveraging innovative technologies and sustainable practices.

Achievements as Director General of ICRISAT

During her tenure at ICRISAT in Hyderabad, India, Dr. Hughes led the institute through transformative milestones, even amid the global pandemic. Under her leadership:

1. ICRISAT won the Africa Food Prize in 2021, recognizing its substantial contributions to agricultural advancement in Africa.
2. Dr. Hughes hosted India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, at ICRISAT’s 50th Anniversary in 2022, underscoring ICRISAT’s impact on dryland agriculture.
3. In 2023, she positioned ICRISAT as a significant contributor to global agricultural dialogues by participating in the G20 Summit’s agricultural meetings in New Delhi.
4. Dr. Hughes also co-chaired the International Steering Committee for the United Nations International Year of Millets, promoting millet cultivation for enhanced food security and climate resilience.

Through these achievements, Dr. Hughes solidified ICRISAT’s role as a leader in dryland agriculture and demonstrated her commitment to advancing agricultural innovations.

Innovative Focus Areas: Remote Sensing, Digitalization, and Gender Equity

A distinguished plant virologist, Dr. Hughes is deeply invested in advancing agricultural research through modern technologies. She has advocated for the integration of remote sensing and digital tools to improve crop resilience, as well as the adoption of best practices in plant quarantine to enhance food security. Additionally, her emphasis on gender equity in agricultural practices highlights her holistic approach to sustainable development, recognizing the vital role of women in the agricultural sector.

Goals as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum

In her new role at WAF, Dr. Hughes will drive collaboration and alliances to develop innovative agricultural solutions and promote sustainable practices globally. Her leadership will focus on fortifying partnerships across public and private sectors, connecting WAF’s diverse stakeholders with the shared goal of advancing food security. She envisions WAF as a platform where local and global impact intersect, driving forward policies and initiatives that cater to the needs of smallholder farmers, agro-businesses, and rural communities.

World Agriculture Forum: A Global Platform for Agricultural Transformation

The World Agriculture Forum (WAF) is an influential organization that unites a wide range of stakeholders—from governments and agribusinesses to experts and development institutions—to foster agricultural development. Headquartered as a global platform, WAF is dedicated to transforming agriculture through policy advocacy, trade facilitation, and technology-driven solutions. The organization is committed to creating a resilient, food-secure future by bridging implementation gaps, advancing agricultural innovations, and promoting public-private partnerships.

Key Objectives and Strategic Pillars of WAF

1. Sustainable Agricultural Development: WAF focuses on driving sustainable practices that ensure long-term productivity and food security.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: By fostering collaborations between the public and private sectors, WAF aims to implement large-scale projects that benefit smallholder farmers and agro-industries.
3. Policy Advocacy and Trade Facilitation: WAF’s policy initiatives are geared towards facilitating international trade and removing barriers that hinder agricultural progress.
4. Support for Smallholder Farmers and Agro-Ventures: Recognizing the importance of small-scale farming, WAF actively supports smallholder farmers through capacity-building programs, resources, and access to markets.
5. Technology-Driven Solutions: Emphasizing innovation and digitalization, WAF promotes technology adoption to address critical issues such as climate resilience and efficient resource management.

Dr. Hughes’ Vision: Strengthening Global Alliances in Agriculture

In line with WAF’s mission, Dr. Hughes aims to strengthen alliances across global and local agricultural sectors, ensuring WAF remains responsive to the evolving needs of the agricultural landscape. With a commitment to inclusive growth and climate resilience, she envisions a forum where innovative solutions are fostered through collaborative action, benefiting farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities alike.