CIFOR-ICRAF mourns the passing of Dr. Eugene Terry, a pioneering leader in African agricultural research whose work transformed institutions and advanced food security across the continent.
A soil scientist by training, Dr. Terry earned his PhD from Macdonald College at McGill University in Canada. He served as the founding Director General of AfricaRice (then WARDA), where his visionary leadership helped establish the organization as a cornerstone of agricultural innovation in Africa.
Dr. Terry’s influence extended across the global research community. He was the Founding Executive Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) in 2006 and served as Chair of the ICRAF Board from 2003 to 2007, providing strategic guidance during a critical period in the organization’s development. He also contributed significantly to the CGIAR system, including through his leadership of the Independent Steering Committee of the Roots, Tubers and Bananas research program.
At CIFOR-ICRAF, we remember Dr. Terry not only for his remarkable professional achievements, but also for his generosity of spirit, his mentorship, and his ability to bring people together. He was a trusted advisor, a respected colleague, and, to many, a cherished friend.
We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
