Key Takeaways
- Saudi Arabia and CGIAR have signed their first formal cooperation agreement.
- The partnership is funded with a $5 million commitment from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
- The agreement focuses on agricultural innovation, food security, and environmental sustainability.
- Joint activities include training, research projects, and development of digital irrigation tools.
- ICARDA will lead implementation of the agreement across Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia and CGIAR Formalize New Agricultural Partnership
Saudi Arabia has signed its first agreement with CGIAR to support collaboration on agricultural innovation, food security, and environmental sustainability. The agreement establishes a framework for joint research, knowledge exchange, and project development, marking a new phase of cooperation between the Kingdom and the global agricultural research network.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is funding the agreement with a $5 million investment. Under the partnership, CGIAR will support capacity building through training programs for local workers and the launch of joint initiatives across the agricultural sector.
Focus on Water Management, Digital Tools, and Crop Improvement
Research and Technology Development
The agreement includes research activities aimed at improving sustainable water management and increasing the efficiency of irrigation systems through digital tools. These efforts are intended to support Saudi Arabia’s agricultural productivity while addressing water scarcity and environmental constraints.
In addition, the partnership will produce a technological roadmap for crop improvement in Saudi Arabia. This roadmap will leverage local research facilities and scientific expertise to guide future innovation and adaptation in the country’s agricultural systems.
ICARDA to Lead Implementation in the Region
Regional Expertise and Long-Term Research Experience
Implementation of the agreement will be led by the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), a CGIAR research center with more than five decades of experience in dryland agriculture. ICARDA operates as a leading agri-research institution in the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on science-based solutions for non-tropical dry regions.
ICARDA’s work spans digital agriculture, advanced water technologies, and crop research tailored to arid and semi-arid environments, aligning closely with Saudi Arabia’s agricultural priorities.
Strengthening Food Security Through Global Collaboration
CGIAR is the world’s largest global research partnership dedicated to building a food-secure future. Through this agreement, Saudi Arabia and CGIAR aim to combine global research expertise with local knowledge and infrastructure to support resilient agricultural systems.
The partnership reflects a broader effort to strengthen food security and sustainability through science-driven collaboration, with initial activities expected to focus on applied research, workforce development, and technology transfer within Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector.
