International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas ( ICARDA ) explores the possibilities of improving agricultural production methods in the arid regions of the earth. ICARDA is one of 15 research centers of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research. The headquarters of ICARDA is located in Aleppo. In addition, the institutions with offices in various countries in North Africa and the Near East.

The seat of the Centre in Aleppo was vacated in mid-2012 due to the civil war in Syria and moved the headquarters to Beirut. The main stocks - inter alia the gene bank - could be saved.

Focus

Among the priorities

  • The breeding of drought tolerant crops such as barley, chickpeas and beans Faber and strengthening diversity of varieties in the region;
  • Research into methods to allow an economical use of water;
  • The research and improvement of the economic and socio-cultural conditions, particularly the situation of women in the countries concerned.
CGIAR
406535
de