The International Potato Center (CIP) is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Eugene Terry. Dr. Terry leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, innovation, and dedication to agricultural research and development across Africa and globally.
As the founding Director General of AfricaRice (then WARDA), Dr. Terry played a transformative role in advancing rice research and strengthening food security in Africa. His visionary leadership helped establish AfricaRice as a pioneer of agricultural innovation and extended well beyond rice research. He became the founding Director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and served with great distinction as a scientist, advisor, and Board Member in several international research organizations.
At CIP, we remember Dr. Terry very warmly for his lead role in the Independent Steering Committee of the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (RTB). Reflecting on his contributions, Graham Thiele, former Director of the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas, said “Eugene was an outstanding supporter, a clear thinker, and a true team player who helped guide the vision for RTB, both as a member and as Chair of the Independent Steering Committee. He was a truly dedicated and inspirational person throughout his long and distinguished career.”
Helen Hambly Odame, Chair of the CIP Board, added, “I share heartfelt condolences on the loss of Eugene Terry. He was a remarkable individual, and I greatly valued his strategic thinking during my time as RTB Chair. The creation of AfricaRice was no small achievement, and his later support of RTB demonstrated the enduring importance of CGIAR’s mandate.”
CIP extends our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Terry’s family, friends, colleagues at AfricaRice, AATF and other institutions, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy will continue to guide and inspire our mission and the broader agricultural community.