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

November 4, 2024

Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, who has been leading the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), will soon step into a new role as the Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) in November 2024. This is a major role shift for her and will allow her to use her expertise to promote sustainable farming on a global scale.

Dr. Hughes’ Background

Dr. Hughes brings over 30 years of experience in agricultural research aimed at helping developing regions. She earned her PhD from Reading University and has worked directly in the field in places like Ghana, focusing on sustainable agriculture, improving food supplies, and supporting rural communities. Much of her work has helped vulnerable regions in Africa and Asia, where food security and rural development are key challenges.

Leadership Experience

Throughout her career, Dr. Hughes has held several influential roles in top agricultural organizations. Over the past four years as Director General of ICRISAT, she has made a strong impact by promoting crop resilience, enhancing rural livelihoods, and tackling complex challenges in dryland agriculture. Her leadership style is known for being flexible and adaptive, which has helped her lead the organization through various challenges.

Key Achievements at ICRISAT

While leading ICRISAT, Dr. Hughes oversaw several important accomplishments:

Africa Food Prize (2021): ICRISAT was recognized for its positive impact on agriculture in Africa.
Hosting Indian Prime Minister (2022): During ICRISAT’s 50th anniversary, the institute’s work in dryland agriculture received attention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
G20 Summit Participation (2023): ICRISAT’s presence in global agricultural discussions was elevated.
UN International Year of Millets: Hughes co-chaired efforts promoting millet cultivation to boost food security and resilience to climate change.

As she moves to the World Agriculture Forum, Dr. Hughes is well-positioned to take on global agricultural challenges. Her deep experience in sustainable farming, food security, and rural development will help her drive initiatives that transform agriculture in a way that is environmentally friendly and resilient.

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