Jordan Daily - The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) welcomes Dr. Nizar Haddad as Director General, effective 1 October 2026.
Dr. Nizar Haddad takes on the leadership of ICARDA at a critical time for dryland regions, where climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and geopolitical instability are placing growing pressure on agricultural systems and rural communities. At the same time, advances in genetics, digital technologies, natural resource management, and agricultural innovation are creating new opportunities to build more resilient dryland food systems.
Dr. Haddad brings more than 25 years of experience in agricultural research, institutional transformation, and sustainable development, with a career spanning international organizations, national research systems, academia, and the private sector. His work has focused on translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions for farmers and rural communities, while connecting research, policy, and implementation to deliver impact at scale.
Prior to joining ICARDA, Dr. Haddad served as Mission Head and Program Director for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Saudi Arabia, where he led one of FAO’s largest country programs, supporting agrifood systems transformation, climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and rural development.
He previously served as Director General of Jordan’s National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), where he led a major institutional transformation that strengthened scientific capacity, expanded strategic partnerships, enhanced resource mobilization, and raised the center’s national and international profile. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of Jordan’s National Seed Bank and the establishment of the country’s first agricultural innovation incubator.
His experience also includes senior leadership roles with Fresh Del Monte Produce, where he contributed to innovation, sustainability, and circular bioeconomy initiatives across global agrifood value chains.
Dr. Haddad has authored and co-authored more than 150 scientific publications, books, and technical contributions covering areas including dryland agriculture, biodiversity, genetic resources, climate resilience, pollinators, water management, and sustainable agrifood systems.
Throughout his career, he has worked with governments, national agricultural research systems, international organizations, donors, academia, and the private sector. His approach is grounded in the belief that lasting impact comes from combining scientific excellence with strong institutions, strategic partnerships, and a clear focus on improving livelihoods.
For five decades, ICARDA - the only CGIAR Center headquartered in the CWANA region - has worked with national research systems, governments, development organizations, universities, farmers, and other partners to develop and scale science-based solutions tailored to the realities of dryland agriculture.
Building on this legacy, Dr. Haddad will lead ICARDA into its next chapter, advancing its 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy and strengthening its scientific excellence, strategic partnerships, and ability to translate research into meaningful impact for communities across the world’s drylands.
Dr. Haddad will carry out his duties as Director General from Cairo, Egypt, in accordance with ICARDA’s current operational arrangements.
“I deeply appreciate the Board’s trust in me and the confidence they have placed in my leadership. I also want to acknowledge Mr. Aly Abousabaa’s significant efforts and contributions to ICARDA. I am honored to join CGIAR and look forward to working closely with scientists, staff, and partners as we build on this strong foundation and contribute to the global effort to advance food security and resilience across the world’s drylands, Haddad said.
Dr. Tareq Al-Zabet, Chair of the ICARDA Board, welcomed Dr. Haddad’s appointment, highlighting his scientific expertise, international experience, and record of institutional leadership.
“The Board is confident that Dr. Haddad will build on ICARDA’s strong foundations and lead ICARDA with vision, integrity, and ambition as it enters its next chapter,” Dr. Al-Zabet said. “We look forward to working with him and with ICARDA’s partners around the world to advance our shared commitment to more resilient drylands and stronger livelihoods.”
Dr. Haddad succeeds Mr. Aly Abousabaa, who concludes his ten-year tenure as Director General on 30 September 2026. ICARDA recognizes Mr. Abousabaa’s dedicated leadership and his contribution to strengthening its scientific and institutional foundations, partnerships, resource base, and position within CGIAR and the wider global agricultural research community.
