ICARDA at the XI International Congress on Cacti as Food, Fodder and Other Uses

Abstract

The blog highlighted ICARDA’s scientific and policy engagement at the XI International Congress on Cacti as Food, Fodder and Other Uses, held from 6–9 May 2025 in Tenerife, Canary Islands. The event brought together leading researchers, innovators, and development partners to advance cactus pear as a strategic crop for dryland systems. It emphasized ICARDA’s leadership through the contributions of its scientists, including representation on the Organizing Committee and presentations on soil quality for sustainable cultivation of Opuntia ficus-indica. ICARDA’s approach linked research with practical farmer engagement through demonstrations, field days, and hands-on activities. As the focal point for FAO-ICARDA CACTUSNET, ICARDA strengthened international technical cooperation during the network’s General Meeting. Overall, the blog positioned cactus pear as a multifunctional, climate-resilient nature-based solution and showcased ICARDA’s commitment to integrating science, policy, and practice to build resilient livelihoods in drylands at local, regional, and global scales.