The OSS and ICARDA sign a cooperation agreement for arid areas

Tunis, May 13, 2026

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS) formalized, at its headquarters, its strategic partnership with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), focused on agricultural research and the sustainable management of natural resources.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony provided an opportunity for experts from both Organizations to exchange on ongoing projects and programmes and to explore concrete avenues for collaboration. The ICARDA delegation was led by Mr. Aly Abousabaa, Director General, accompanied by Dr. Augusto Becerra, Deputy Director General for Research, Mr. Tareq Alzabet, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Azaiez Ouled Belgacem, Country Director.

The MoU aims to formalize structured cooperation between the two Organizations in the fields of research and development. It establishes a common framework for designing and implementing joint projects, mobilizing funding from international donors, and sharing technical expertise. The agreement also provides for regular exchanges between researchers, students, and experts from both institutions, as well as the joint organization of training workshops and thematic conferences.

It defines a framework for action focused on the major challenges facing the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East, notably:

• Combating desertification;
• Preserving biodiversity;
• Sustainable management of land and water resources;
• Adapting to the effects of climate change; and
• Strengthening human and scientific capacities.

Founded in 1992, the OSS supports African Countries in the sustainable management of their natural resources in the face of increasing climate change pressures. Established in 1975, ICARDA focuses on improving living conditions in arid areas through agricultural research, the conservation of plant genetic resources, and human capacity building.
This partnership brings together two complementary areas of expertise in support of a shared vision: sustainable and resilient development for populations living in dryland areas.