Statement on the death of Dr Kanayo F. Nwanze

It is with deep sadness that we have learned that former IFAD President, visionary leader and passionate advocate for rural people, Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze, has died.

On behalf of IFAD staff and partners, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and to those colleagues fortunate enough to have worked with him. His energy and commitment inspired us all, and his contributions to IFAD and the world were outstanding.

Dr Nwanze dedicated his life to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. As IFAD President from 2009 to 2017, he succeeded in growing IFAD´s overall portfolio – and more than doubling IFAD’s investments in Africa and benefiting more than 75 million rural people.

Nwanze was awarded the inaugural Africa Food Prize in September 2016 for his leadership of IFAD and his advocacy of Africa’s smallholder farmers, food security and poverty alleviation.

His passion for rural transformation as a driver of sustainable development was lifelong. As a young researcher, he pioneered an innovative pest control approach using wasps to combat the devastating Africa mealybug – an initiative that would eventually be credited with saving an estimated 20 million lives in Africa. The approach is still being used successfully in Asia and elsewhere.

After leaving IFAD, he continued in his mission by serving as the FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador on Zero Hunger for Africa and on the Boards of AGRA (Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa), the CGIAR System Management Board and as Chairman of the Facility for Youth Development (FAYODE).

Dr Nwanze’s memory and legacy will continue to inspire us all as we continue the fight against poverty and hunger.