Dr. Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, a renowned expert in sustainable agriculture and current Director General of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad, India, will transition to her new role as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) in mid-November 2024. With over three decades of experience in agricultural research and leadership, Dr. Hughes is expected to bring her expertise to the global stage, driving WAF’s mission to address critical challenges in food security, agricultural innovation, and sustainability.
An Illustrious Career in Agricultural Research
Dr. Hughes’ distinguished career spans over 30 years, during which she has made impactful contributions to agricultural research and rural development. Her work has focused on addressing food insecurity and advancing sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in semi-arid and developing regions, where she has been instrumental in implementing innovative solutions.
Educated in the United Kingdom, Dr. Hughes completed her PhD at Reading University before beginning her career with postdoctoral work. Her initial roles involved collaborative research with national partners in Ghana, which paved the way for her commitment to development in regions facing significant agricultural challenges. Over the years, she has held pivotal leadership positions in leading agricultural institutions across Africa and Asia, bringing invaluable insights into the unique issues faced by these regions.
Championing Innovation and Inclusive Growth
Dr. Hughes is not only a distinguished plant virologist but also an ardent advocate for advancing digital technologies, gender equity, and sustainable practices in agriculture. Her passion for remote sensing and digitalization has allowed her to integrate cutting-edge technology into agricultural practices, enhancing precision and effectiveness. In addition, she has promoted gender equity by advocating for the inclusion of women in agricultural research and leadership roles, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to agricultural progress.
During her tenure at ICRISAT, Dr. Hughes led initiatives that leveraged modern technologies and ethical use of intellectual property to improve agricultural systems. Her efforts underscore her commitment to creating local impact with a global perspective, a philosophy she is likely to carry forward into her role at WAF.
Achievements at ICRISAT
As Director General of ICRISAT, Dr. Hughes navigated the institute through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, ICRISAT achieved several significant milestones. In 2021, ICRISAT was awarded the Africa Food Prize in recognition of its substantial contributions to agricultural development in Africa. In 2022, Dr. Hughes hosted India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ICRISAT’s 50th-anniversary celebration, showcasing the institute’s dedication to agricultural research and development.
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In 2023, she represented ICRISAT at the G20 agriculture meetings in New Delhi, emphasizing the importance of dryland agriculture and sustainable practices. Additionally, she co-chaired the International Steering Committee for the United Nations’ International Year of Millets, advocating for the role of millets in food security and nutrition, particularly in semi-arid regions.
A Vision for the Future of the World Agriculture Forum
As Dr. Hughes steps into her role as Secretary General of the World Agriculture Forum, WAF’s Chairman Rudy Rabbinge expressed his enthusiasm for her appointment. He emphasized that her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to agricultural innovation align perfectly with WAF’s mission to advance food and nutrition security worldwide.
He highlighted Dr. Hughe’s record of impactful achievements and her visionary approach to sustainable agricultural intensification and impactful results and commitment to agricultural innovation. As she takes the helm, Dr. Hughes aims to strengthen alliances, advance sustainable intensification, and position WAF as a catalyst for global agricultural transformation.
In her new role, Dr. Hughes aims to prioritize building alliances across sectors, fostering public-private partnerships, and advancing agricultural innovations to meet the evolving demands of a global sector grappling with food insecurity, climate change, and population growth. Her leadership is expected to strengthen WAF’s role as a platform that unites governments, agribusinesses, and development organizations, helping to drive policy advocacy, trade facilitation, and technology-driven solutions for agriculture.
With Dr. Hughes at the helm, the World Agriculture Forum is well-positioned to continue its work toward a food-secure future, driving meaningful change in agriculture through collaboration, innovation, and commitment to sustainable practices.