A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
For IPAR, 2025 was a year of continuity, transition, and new beginnings.
Firstly, continuity in our mission. As agricultural and food systems undergo rapid change, IPAR has continued its work to advance evidence-based public policy that is more closely aligned with territorial realities. The report below details IPAR’s commitment to supporting public institutions, territorial governments, producer organizations, communities, researchers, and our partners.
Secondly, transition, in a context where development financing mechanisms are changing significantly. The end of several long-standing programs—notably those supported by USAID—is forcing African research and policy dialogue institutions to reassess their business models, broaden their partnerships, and preserve their autonomy. For IPAR, this can no longer be treated as a side issue. The quality of our work also depends on our ability to maintain an independent voice that contributes meaningfully to public decision-making.
The year 2025 also reaffirmed a central focus: drawing on territorial contexts to inform public policy.
Change takes place where resources are managed, where stakeholders are making decisions, where conflicts over resource use arise, and where solutions are put to the test. IPAR makes its contribution by connecting research, territorial insights, and policy dialogue.
Finally, 2025 marked an important milestone in the institution’s history. After more than fifteen years at the helm of IPAR, Dr. Cheikhou Oumar Ba stepped down from the Executive Director’s office to serve the government. He now holds the position of Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock. Dr. Laure Tall, previously Director of Research, stepped up to ensure the continuity of the Executive Directorate before taking over as its head at the beginning of 2026.
This transition marks a new phase for IPAR, with a focus on maintaining high scientific standards, consolidating the work underway in the field, better demonstrating the impact of our research, and expanding the institution’s regional reach. This will also entail reviewing our working methods, our partnerships, and our funding model.
The publication of this report comes at a deeply emotional time, following the passing in May 2026 of Dr. Taïb Diouf, Chair of IPAR’s Board of Directors. His high standards, his ability to listen, and his dedication to the institution were the hallmarks of his leadership. We pay him a grateful tribute. His contribution will remain etched in IPAR’s history. We renew our solidarity with his family and loved ones.
The results presented in this report were achieved through a collective effort. They could not have come about without the commitment of IPAR’s teams, the trust of its partners, and the contributions of the many stakeholders with whom we work.
They also serve as a reminder of our responsibility to generate knowledge, foster debate, and contribute to public policy decisions that are better informed and more firmly rooted in African realities.
