International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) is an international organization undertaking research-for-development. We provide innovative, science-based solutions for communities across the non-tropical dry areas. In partnership with research institutions, NGOs, governments, and the private sector, our work advances scientific knowledge, shapes practices, and informs policy.

Since its establishment in 1977, ICARDA has implemented research-for-development programs in 50 countries across the world’s dry areas – from Morocco in North Africa to Bangladesh in South Asia.

ICARDA has a global mandate for the crop development of barley, lentil, and faba bean, and serves the non-tropical dry areas for the improvement of water-use efficiency in agriculture, rangeland issues, and small-ruminant production. In the Middle East and North Africa region, and in Central Asia, ICARDA contributes to the improvement of bread and durum wheat, kabuli chickpea, pasture, and forage legumes, and associated farming systems. We also work on land management topics, the diversification of production systems, and value chains for sector-based crop and livestock products. Social, economic and policy research, as well as communication and knowledge sharing, is an integral component of ICARDA’s approach to enhance the uptake of new technologies and maximize the impact of research outputs.

Mission:

To reduce poverty and enhance food, water, and nutritional security and environmental health in the face of global challenges, including climate change.

Vision:

ICARDA envisions thriving and resilient livelihoods in the dry areas of the developing world with adequate incomes, secure access to food, markets, and nutrition, and the capacity to manage natural resources in equitable, sustainable, and innovative ways.