BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim

International experience and credibility.

He is an outstanding and successful Guyanese agricultural professional with more than 35 years of work experience in international institutions of excellence such as CATIE (the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) and IICA (the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science (with honors) awarded by the University of Guyana; a master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with an emphasis on animal nutrition, by CATIE; and a PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, by the Agricultural University of Wageningen (The Netherlands).
In addition, Ibrahim is a successful professor, researcher, and author of prolific literature on agriculture, agroecology, silvopastoral systems, food security, and payments for ecosystem services in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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PROFESSIONAL TIMELINE

- From 1985 to 1987 he worked as a Senior Dairy Officer in the National Dairy Development Program (NDDP) of the Ministry of Agriculture of Guyana.

- From 1995 to 2002, he was Leader of the Silvopastoral Systems Unit in the CATIE Department of Agroforestry, where he was also a professor and researcher. 

- Between 2002 and 2012 he was Leader of the Livestock and Environmental Management Program (GAMMA) at CATIE.

- From 2012 to 2014 he was IICA's Representative in Belize. 

- In 2014 he was appointed Manager of the Innovation Program for Productivity and Competitiveness, and Associate Director of the IICA Technical Cooperation Program.

- In 2016 he was appointed General Director of CATIE and international expert on livestock systems and the environment.

- From 2024 to 2025 he worked as IICA Director of Technical Cooperation.

More than 35 years of experience have allowed him to develop skills and competencies in:

Leadership.

Management.

Negotiation.

Implementation of technical cooperation programs.

Negotiation with public and private actors.

Articulation of regional and global networks.

Management of access to financing.

Research.

Teaching.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Management and Leadership. Agricultural Research and Innovation Systems. Livestock Systems and the Environment. Agroforestry. Climate Change. Sustainable Agricultural Production. Coffee and Cocoa Agroforestry Systems. Food Security. Postgraduate Education and Training. Project Formulation and Management. Mobilization of External Resources from Donors. Governments and the Private Sector. Policies to implement sustainable agriculture and agroforestry systems.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

01-membresia

Global Livestock Agenda (FAO/ILRI)

02-membresia

Global Research Alliance

03-membresia

Editorial Board of Tropical Grassland

04-membresia

Member of the GCHERA group

Publicaciones

PUBLISHINGS

-18 chapters of books as an author or co-author
-4 books and conference reports edited
-16 articles in international journals as an author or co-author
- More than 50 technical articles and in conference reports as an author or co-author

premios

AWARDS

2023 – Recognition by the Colombia Agroforestry Network for his contribution to innovation and training.

2022 - Award by the University Center of Izabal, USAC, for his contribution to higher education.

2019 – Honorary Doctorate by the University of Jaén, Peru.

1997-2010 – Four CATIE student council awards for the best teacher of the Department of Agroforestry and Agriculture.

1997 – Recognition as the best researcher/professor, and CATIE worker.

1985 – Rector's Award for the best graduate student of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Guyana.

1985 – GAIBANK Gold Medal for the best graduate student of the Faculty of Agriculture.

NEWS

Recently, the Government of Guyana presented Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as a candidate to occupy the position of Director General of IICA. The nomination is considered as a solid initiative to strengthen technical collaboration and promote inclusive agricultural development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

President Irfaan Ali nominates Guyanese scientist to lead IICA; highlights opportunity for regional collaboration
President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, nominated Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as the next Director General of IICA, emphasizing that his appointment represents an opportunity to boost agricultural development and regional integration.

Guyana nominates agricultural expert Muhammad Ibrahim as new Director General of IICA
The Government of Guyana has officially submitted the candidacy of Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, a prominent expert in agricultural development, to lead the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

President Ali: Guyana’s nomination to lead IICA is a chance to advance regional agricultural development
President Ali stated that Ibrahim’s nomination to IICA is key to fostering partnerships that strengthen agri-food systems across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Guyana officially presents Muhammad Ibrahim’s candidacy to lead IICA
In a renewed push for regional leadership, Guyana is promoting the candidacy of Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as Director General of IICA, aiming to reinforce technical cooperation

Guyana nominates Muhammad Ibrahim, a renowned agricultural scientist, to lead IICA
Dr. Ibrahim’s background in rural development and sustainability supports his nomination as a key figure to lead IICA into a new era of agri-food transformation.

Guyana seeks Brazil’s support for IICA candidacy
During the Brazil–Caribbean Summit, President Ali asked President Lula to support Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim’s nomination as Director General of IICA.

Guyana’s IICA Candidate Presents His Vision for the Future in Meeting with Panamanian Authorities
During his visit to Panama, Guyana’s candidate for the IICA General Directorate met with MIDA Minister Roberto Linares and other agricultural officials. He shared his proposals to strengthen regional cooperation, promote sustainable agricultural development, and modernize IICA’s role in facing global challenges.

Guyana and Panama Join Forces: A Step Toward the Region’s Agricultural Future
The video captures key moments from the meeting between Guyana’s IICA candidate and Panamanian authorities. It emphasizes the importance of working together for a more resilient, innovative agriculture aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Visit to Panama: IICA Candidate Highlights Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Development
Guyana’s IICA candidate stressed the need for strategic partnerships to drive regional agricultural development. In his meeting with Minister Linares, he presented action lines focused on innovation, sustainability, and dialogue with member countries.

IICA Candidate Reaffirms Commitment to Latin America During Visit to Panama Summary:
As part of the IICA leadership selection process, Guyana’s candidate visited Panama and shared his institutional transformation plans with the MIDA minister. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive, efficient, and sustainable agriculture across the region.

Guyana nominates Muhammad Ibrahim to lead IICA
Guyana officially presented Muhammad Ibrahim as its candidate for Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). Experts are evaluating his background and emphasize the importance of his vision to strengthen regional agricultural cooperation.

Guyana’s IICA candidate meets Panamanian minister, calls for strong regional strategy
During his visit to Panama, Guyana’s candidate for the headship of IICA met with a Panamanian government minister. In the meeting, he urged the development of a robust regional cooperation strategy focused on sustainable agriculture and food security.

Guyana officially nominates Muhammad Ibrahim for IICA leadership
Guyana nominated agricultural scientist Muhammad Ibrahim as a candidate for Director General of IICA. With a strong background in regional agricultural development and past leadership at CATIE, Ibrahim’s candidacy reflects a commitment to technical strengthening in the sector.

Guyana nominates Muhammad Ibrahim to lead IICA
The Government of Guyana has nominated Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as its candidate for Director General of IICA for the 2026–2030 term. Ibrahim is an agriculture expert with broad international experience.

Muhammad Ibrahim nominated to head IICA with regional support
Agricultural scientist Muhammad Ibrahim has been nominated as a candidate for Director General of IICA, backed by Guyana and 14 Caribbean nations. The election will take place in November.

Guyana seeks OAS support for its IICA candidate during the Assembly in Antigua
At the 55th OAS Assembly held in Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana's delegation, led by Ambassador Samuel Hinds, requested support from member countries for Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as a candidate for Director General of the IICA. The election is scheduled for November in Brasília.

Guyana asks OAS countries for support for its IICA candidate
Guyana, after nominating Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim —who has over thirty years of experience—, officially requested in mid-June that OAS member states support his candidacy to lead the IICA.

Guyana invites OAS countries to support its candidate to lead the IICA
During the OAS Assembly, Guyana invited countries across the continent to support Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim’s candidacy to lead the IICA, highlighting his background as an agronomist and international affairs specialist.

Science, technology, and innovation: toward a safe and resilient agriculture
The article highlights the importance of science, technology, and innovation in achieving safer and more resilient agriculture within the framework of regional cooperation. The IICA is mentioned as a key player in these efforts.

Guyana asks OAS members to support its candidate for IICA Director General
In a report by the Guyana Chronicle, it is noted that the Guyanese government formally submitted a request for regional support for Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim as a candidate for IICA Director General during the OAS Assembly.

The Government of Guyana nominated Muhammad Ibrahim to lead the IICA.
The Government of Guyana has nominated Muhammad Ibrahim, a prominent rural development expert, to head the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). His candidacy aims to strengthen innovation and sustainability in agriculture across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Caesar endorses Muhammad Ibrahim to lead IICA
The Minister of Agriculture of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saboto Caesar, endorsed Muhammad Ibrahim’s candidacy for Director General of IICA, highlighting his capability and experience to lead the hemispheric organization.

Guatemalan Minister and IICA candidate discuss agricultural priorities
IICA Director General candidate Muhammad Ibrahim met with Guatemalan Minister María Fernanda Rivera to exchange proposals and discuss Guatemala’s main agricultural challenges toward sustainable development.

Promoting agriculture as a driver of peace and development in Guatemala
Guatemala promotes agriculture as a key pillar for building peace, creating jobs, and driving rural development, aligned with sustainability and food security goals.

Guyanese expert Muhammad Ibrahim highlighted as ideal IICA leader
The Jamaica Observer emphasized Muhammad Ibrahim’s expertise and knowledge as key qualities that make him a strong candidate to lead IICA and address the region’s agricultural challenges.

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