Kanayo F. Nwanze began his term as the fifth President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development on 1 April 2009. A Nigerian national, Nwanze has a strong record as an advocate and leader of change and a keen understanding of the complexity of development issues. He brings to the job over 30 years of experience across three continents in poverty reduction through agriculture, rural development and research. He has published extensively, is a member of several scientific associations and has served on the executive boards of various institutions. Nwanze has received numerous honours and awards from governments and international institutions, including Commander of the National Order of Merit of Côte d’Ivoire and Officer of the National Order of Benin.