CABI Blog

As global development financing tightens and Official Development Assistance declines, leaders of six major international agricultural research organizations convened under the AIRCA platform to chart a more coordinated and ambitious path – one that strengthens partnerships and delivers practical solutions for farmers, communities, and governments.

The two-day strategic meeting, held on 27–28 January 2026 at CABI’s Regional Centre for Africa in Nairobi and attended both in person and virtually, brought together the Directors-General of the Association of International Research and Development Centers for Agriculture (AIRCA) to strengthen collective action between AIRCA members, deepen partnerships, and improve coordination in resource mobilization across their global network.

AIRCA is an alliance of six international centres committed to building diverse, safe, nutritious, and climate-resilient food systems that support health, livelihoods, and the environment. Its membership includes CABI, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg). Together, AIRCA members have offices in 33 countries, employ more than 2,000 staff, and implement programmes in over 70 countries, giving the network a unique reach to turn research into practical, scalable impact.

Harnessing collective strengths to address shared agricultural challenges

During the meeting, the organizations also reflected on shared priorities. These included climate adaptation, invasive species management, soil health, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and inclusive innovation. Discussions emphasized the importance of harnessing complementary strengths from the member centres and articulating the benefits of the AIRCA network to stakeholders.

Henk van Duijn, President and CEO of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) added: “As the new Chair of AIRCA, I am inspired by the shared vision and energy demonstrated by all member centres. Our collective priority is to align our strengths, streamline our efforts, and present a unified voice to stakeholders. Together, we will explore a stronger shared services mechanism to reduce internal costs and build a more coordinated and impactful alliance that accelerates agricultural transformation and strengthens livelihoods where it matters most.”

For CABI, the meeting reaffirmed the importance of collaboration in driving science-based solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges, from biological control and plant health to digital innovation and capacity development. CABI’s Strategy emphasizes the power of science, technology, and innovation to help small-scale producers adapt to climate change and strengthen their livelihoods.

“Working through with our fellow Centres in AIRCA helps us to bring these solutions to scale,” said Dr Daniel Elger, CABI CEO and newly appointed Deputy Chair of AIRCA. “Through this collective effort, we can do more to assist more resilient and sustainable benefits for farmers and communities around the world to adopt resilient and sustainable benefits for productive, resilient and sustainable practices.”

Looking ahead

The meeting also recognized Dr Dennis Rangi, CABI’s Director General, Development, for his long-standing leadership and contributions to AIRCA. Members highlighted his pivotal role in strengthening partnerships and steering the alliance through key transitions.

“AIRCA has always represented the power of partnership. This is a space where institutions come together to drive meaningful change in agriculture and the environment. I am honoured to have contributed to this collective journey. As AIRCA steps into a new chapter of coordination and ambition, I am confident that the Alliance and its members will continue to deliver transformative impact for farmers, communities, and ecosystems worldwide,” said Dr Rangi.

The Directors-General also approved a new leadership role for Peace Tusasirwe. She will serve as Executive Director, providing dedicated coordination of the Alliance and its collective efforts. AIRCA will also convene an in‑person meeting during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) in Kigali in September 2026.

Additional information

Main image: Leaders from partner organizations gather at CABI’s Regional Centre for Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, during the 2025 AIRCA meeting. From right: Peace Tusasirwe (CABI/AIRCA), Gabriel Rugalema (WorldVeg), Dennis Rangi (CABI), Henk van Duijn (IFDC), and Abdou Tenkouano (icipe).

More on AIRCA collaborations

• CABI works with AIRCA to support UN Food Systems Summit
• AIRCA agrees to cooperate on research in support of UN Food Systems Summit 2021