Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the long-serving President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has been awarded the prestigious Justus Von Liebig World Nutrition Award for her significant contributions to global food systems and nutrition. The award, which is given biennially by the Foundation fiat panis, honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving world nutrition.
A Leading Advocate for Food System Transformation
Dr. Kalibata received the award at a ceremony held at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, a globally renowned institution for agricultural research and food science. The award panel praised her exceptional work as an authentic policymaker, scientist, and thought leader in advocating for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems, particularly in Africa. Over the last decade, Dr. Kalibata has led AGRA in collaboration with governments, public institutions, and private partners to address systemic constraints in the agri-food systems across 12 African countries.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr. Kalibata expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the importance of the mission to secure food and nutrition for all. “This prestigious recognition not only acknowledges the hard work and dedication of countless individuals but also underscores the critical importance of our mission to ensure food security and nutrition for all. It strengthens our resolve to continue working tirelessly towards innovative solutions that address the challenges of food insecurity and climate change,” she said to an applauding audience at the University of Hohenheim.
A Global Recognition for a Visionary Leader
Named after Justus Von Liebig—a German scientist widely regarded as the father of physiological and agricultural chemistry—the Justus Von Liebig World Nutrition Award is considered the Nobel Prize equivalent in food and nutrition circles. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to advancing the science and practice of nutrition and agriculture globally.
For Dr. Kalibata, this award is the culmination of a remarkable career that has made significant strides in improving agricultural and food systems in Africa. Prior to her role at AGRA, Dr. Kalibata served as Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, where she played a pivotal role in reforming and revitalizing the country’s agriculture sector.
A Global Voice for Sustainable Food Systems
In 2021, Dr. Kalibata was appointed as the Special Envoy for the UN Food Systems Summit by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This pivotal role positioned her at the forefront of a catalytic global process that sought to reimagine and reshape food systems to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.
Under her leadership, the UNFSS convened over 1,600 multi-stakeholder dialogues involving national governments, private sector actors, civil society, indigenous communities, farmers, women, youth, and other non-state actors. Coordinated by more than 151 national conveners, these dialogues attracted over 110,000 participants and reached a global audience of over 3.5 billion people. The summit aimed to intensify action on food systems through Pathways—national strategies, plans, and priorities focused on integrating food systems into broader societal and environmental goals.
“Her work provided governments with avenues for driving the nexus of food and environment, food and climate change, food and health, food and water, and the interconnectedness with education, security, energy, financial systems, and gender among others,” noted the award panel at the University of Hohenheim.
AGRA’s Commitment to Food Security and Sustainability
Under Dr. Kalibata’s leadership, AGRA has been instrumental in building resilient agricultural systems across the continent. AGRA works closely with governments to develop and implement agricultural strategies that are responsive to local challenges, while also leveraging public-private partnerships to ensure scalability and sustainability. The organization focuses on enhancing access to quality seeds, promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving soil health, and strengthening market linkages for smallholder farmers.
The award not only recognizes Dr. Kalibata’s contributions but also underscores AGRA’s ongoing commitment to empowering smallholder farmers and transforming African agriculture. “I am deeply proud of this accomplishment and dedicate this award to my colleagues, our partners, and the resilient smallholder farmers across the continent whose unwavering commitment and collaboration drive change and inspire hope for future generations,” Dr. Kalibata said.
A Lasting Impact on Africa’s Agricultural Future
Dr. Kalibata’s work has left an indelible mark on Africa’s agricultural landscape. Through AGRA, she has championed efforts to improve access to high-quality agricultural inputs, foster sustainable farming practices, and empower farmers to thrive in the face of climate change. Her leadership has also been pivotal in promoting gender inclusion, youth participation, and environmental conservation within agricultural systems.
As AGRA continues to advance its mission of transforming African agriculture, Dr. Kalibata’s vision for a more inclusive and sustainable food system remains a guiding force. Her recognition with the Justus Von Liebig World Nutrition Award reaffirms her status as a trailblazer in the global fight against food insecurity and malnutrition.
