ICARDA has released part one of a three-video series on cactus pear production, aimed at farmers in dry regions. The series promotes best-agronomic practices to improve productivity and enhance the quality of the crop at low cost. 2021 is the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV) by the UN General Assembly. Several events throughout the year will be dedicated
World Pulses Day, hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, raises awareness about the nutritional benefits of a global wonder food: pulses. CGIAR, the world’s largest global agricultural innovation network, is working hard with FAO to raise the profile of these delicious and nutritious crops by showcasing the pivotal role pulses can play in achieving
A recent study by ICARDA scientists analyzed Morocco’s wheat sector, a strategic crop that is still heavily imported, to identify areas where productivity can be increased to boost smallholder farmers’ yields and income. To this day, Morocco only produces about 58 percent of its needs in wheat and struggles to satisfy the ever growing local demand. To meet its
ICARDA, on behalf of our exceptional scientists and partners, is thrilled to have won the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation (KIADPAI) in the Second Category: ‘Pioneering Development and Productive Projects.’ During an official virtual awards ceremony held on March 16 in Abu Dhabi, KIADPAI announced the five winners across four categories. ICARDA won the prize
A recent study conducted by ICARDA’s Gender Scientist Dr. Dina Najjar, published in Feminist Economics Journal, examines the gender dimensions of land and non-land assets ownership in Egypt’s Old and New Lands. The study reveals that although rural women are often marginalized when it comes to land or non-land assets ownership, the situation in Egypt may not be as dire
Crop wild relatives (CWR) are the ancient ancestors of our domesticated crops. Because they have been growing in the wild for millions of years, CWR have naturally developed characteristics that allow them to survive in unfavorable, hostile environments. Among those notable traits are disease and pest resistance, and their ability to thrive in water-scarce and extremely hot conditions. Through domestication
Covering about one-third of global land surface, deserts are characterized by little to no rainfall, poor and sandy soil, extreme temperatures, scorching winds, little water catchment potential, and almost complete reliance on often non-renewable groundwater. Yet, deserts are a source of livelihood for millions of people. But the food systems and agrobiodiversity of deserts are under threat, which is where
Beekeeping has long been a traditional pursuit in Uzbekistan and Ethiopia, where smallholders produce honey for sale and use in food and traditional drinks. As well as providing an ideal, low-capital, accessible, and business opportunity in urban and rural areas, bees also play a vital role in protecting farmstead biodiversity by pollinating crops and plants. Beyond its vital