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

Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, an accomplished agricultural scientist and leader, has been appointed as the Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF). Currently the Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Dr. Hughes will assume her new role in mid-November 2024. Her appointment signals a significant step forward for WAF as she brings her extensive experience in agricultural research, sustainability, and global food security to the organization.

A New Chapter for the World Agriculture Forum

The World Agriculture Forum, a globally recognized platform, addresses critical challenges in agriculture, including food security, sustainability, and climate resilience. The appointment of Dr. Hughes, given her substantial contributions to agricultural science and research, aligns with WAF’s commitment to driving meaningful progress in these areas. Her leadership is expected to support the forum’s objectives in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and enhancing global food security.

Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes: A Profile of Leadership and Innovation

Dr. Hughes’ career in agriculture spans over three decades, with remarkable achievements in research and leadership. Before joining WAF, she served as the Director General of ICRISAT, an organization known for its work in improving agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions. ICRISAT, headquartered in Hyderabad, India, focuses on developing resilient crop varieties and sustainable farming methods suited to challenging climates. Dr. Hughes’ tenure at ICRISAT not only reinforced the organization’s mission but also led it to unprecedented global recognition.

Her leadership was instrumental in guiding ICRISAT through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuation of research activities that benefited millions of smallholder farmers. Under her stewardship, ICRISAT won the prestigious Africa Food Prize in 2021, a testament to its groundbreaking contributions in strengthening food security across African countries.

Important Achievements at ICRISAT

During her time at ICRISAT, Dr. Hughes championed several impactful initiatives:

1. Climate-Resilient Crops: Dr. Hughes spearheaded projects that focused on developing drought-resistant crops such as millet and sorghum, essential staples in semi-arid regions. These initiatives have had a transformative impact on farmers in regions frequently affected by climate change.
2. Digital Agriculture and Innovation: Dr. Hughes emphasized the importance of digital tools in modern agriculture. Her initiatives promoted the use of mobile applications for real-time crop monitoring and satellite imagery to improve yield predictions, empowering smallholder farmers with data-driven decision-making.
3. Gender Inclusivity and Youth Empowerment: Recognizing the crucial role of women and youth in agriculture, Dr. Hughes supported policies and programs aimed at increasing their participation in agriculture, ultimately enhancing rural economies.
4. Food Security during the Pandemic: When COVID-19 disrupted global supply chains, Dr. Hughes quickly adapted ICRISAT’s projects to focus on resilience and continuity. Her actions safeguarded agricultural research and contributed to food stability in vulnerable regions during the crisis.

Key Objectives as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum

As she transitions to her role as Secretary General at WAF, Dr. Hughes is expected to draw upon her comprehensive background in agricultural research and policy advocacy. Her agenda for WAF may likely include:

1. Enhanced Food Security and Sustainability: Dr. Hughes will likely work to promote sustainable practices in global agriculture, aiming to balance productivity with environmental stewardship. She will focus on creating partnerships that encourage resource-efficient farming methods and crop diversity.
2. Combatting Climate Change: Climate resilience will be a priority under her leadership at WAF. Given her experience in semi-arid agriculture, she is well-positioned to lead global efforts in developing strategies that address climate challenges through crop adaptation, resource management, and technological solutions.
3. Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture: Dr. Hughes has been a strong advocate for gender equality and youth involvement in agriculture. She will likely bring her commitment to WAF, encouraging policies that improve opportunities for women and young people in rural areas, thereby contributing to vibrant agricultural communities.
4. Fostering Global Collaboration: Through her work at ICRISAT, Dr. Hughes has cultivated strong relationships with agricultural research institutions, governments, and NGOs. As WAF Secretary General, she will aim to build on these networks, fostering a collaborative approach to tackling global agricultural issues.
5. Advancing Technological Integration in Agriculture: Recognizing the role of technology in transforming agriculture, Dr. Hughes may champion the use of digital platforms, precision farming, and artificial intelligence to increase productivity and improve food distribution systems.

A Global Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Hughes’ appointment reflects a strategic direction for WAF, which strives to create sustainable agricultural models in a world facing increasing environmental and economic challenges. Her vision aligns closely with WAF’s goals of achieving food security, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing pressing issues like climate change and poverty alleviation.

Her background in scientific research, policy formulation, and hands-on agricultural leadership provides her with the insights needed to navigate these complex issues. By emphasizing a data-driven, inclusive approach to agricultural development, Dr. Hughes is poised to lead WAF towards more resilient food systems.

Under Dr. Hughes’ guidance, WAF is expected to take on a more proactive role in shaping policies that support farmers globally, especially in regions vulnerable to climate variability and economic instability. Her experience at ICRISAT has prepared her to handle the multifaceted demands of this role. As WAF aims to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Hughes’ leadership could be pivotal in achieving targets related to zero hunger, sustainable agriculture, and climate action.

The international agricultural community has welcomed her appointment, with stakeholders expressing optimism for WAF’s trajectory under her leadership. Given her track record, Dr. Hughes is well-equipped to bring a renewed focus on science-driven, community-oriented agricultural initiatives that prioritize long-term ecological balance.

Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes’ appointment as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum is a remarkable development for global agricultural leadership. With her extensive background in sustainable agriculture and her commitment to food security, she is ideally suited to guide WAF towards a future where innovative solutions and collaborative strategies address the challenges facing agriculture today. Her contributions are anticipated to strengthen WAF’s role as a global platform that promotes sustainable agriculture and ensures food security for all.