Agricultural research experts in Caribbean and Latin America reflect on Manuel Otero’s tenure as head of IICA

The leaders of public agricultural research organizations across Latin America and the Caribbean have acknowledged the significant contributions of Manuel Otero, the Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). IICA reported via media release that they credited him with demonstrating unwavering dedication to the region’s agrifood systems, which serve as fundamental elements for sustainable development in the area.

Reportedly, delegates from numerous countries on the continent, who are members of FONTAGRO’s Governing Council—a prominent platform for agricultural innovation—emphasized the vital role of Otero’s leadership. Since taking on the role in January 2018, Otero has been instrumental in advancing regional agricultural initiatives, said IICA. His tenure will conclude on January 15, when agronomist Muhammad Ibrahim from Guyana is scheduled to assume the position of Director General.

The organization added that throughout his leadership at IICA, Otero has prioritized bolstering FONTAGRO, recognizing the critical influence of the regional fund in enhancing the competitiveness of the agrifood sector, alleviating poverty, and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.

Currently, FONTAGRO is engaged in implementing 212 projects centered on agricultural innovation, involving over 8,000 researchers.

“Manuel Otero’s vision has transformed agricultural cooperation in our region”, stated Nicolás Bronzovich, President of Argentina’s National Agricultural Research Institute (INTA).

Jorge Ganoza Roncal, the Executive President of Peru’s National Agricultural Innovation Institute (INIA), expressed gratitude, saying, “for his steadfast support for efforts to enhance our capabilities.”

María Teresa Pino, Head of the Food Sector at Chile’s Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), highlighted that “Otero’s commitment to innovation and research has been key to improving our capabilities”.

As per the release, Miguel Serrano López, Executive Director of Colombia’s Agricultural Research Corporation (AGROSAVIA), emphasized Otero’s talent for uniting diverse nations behind a common goal.

Costa Rica’s INTA Executive Director, José Roberto Camacho Montero, remarked that “Manuel Otero’s dedication to food security has been an example to us all”.

According to IICA, the Director General’s capacity to navigate evolving challenges in agriculture was also recognized. Raúl Jaramillo, Director of Ecuador’s National Agricultural Research Institute (INIAP), lauded Otero’s efforts to address shifting issues faced by the sector.

Alexandra Rodríguez, acting head of Panama’s Agricultural Innovation Institute (IDIAP), noted that Otero’s leadership was crucial in fostering innovation within agriculture.

Uruguay’s National Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) President, Miguel Sierra, praised Otero’s “tireless efforts to unite the agricultural community of Latin America”.

Margaret Gutiérrez of Venezuela’s National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA) reflected, “His impact has been profound and his legacy continues to guide our daily actions”, while Windson July Martinez from Bolivia’s National Agricultural and Forestry Innovation Institute (INIAF) called on Otero to “continue” his work advocating for sustainable development and rural empowerment.

Edgar Esteche of Paraguay’s Agricultural Technology Institute (IPTA) expressed appreciation for Otero’s belief in rural communities’ potential to create positive change. Similarly, Eladio Arnaud Santana of the Dominican Agricultural and Forestry Research Institute (IDIAF) highlighted Otero’s “enthusiasm and leadership with which he has helped us all move forward together in the battle for the productive development of the region”.

Eugenia Saini, FONTAGRO’s Executive Secretary, underscored the importance of the partnership between IICA and the regional innovation fund. She recalled that “Manuel Otero opened the doors of IICA to us at a difficult time, when FONTAGRO was trying to figure how it was going to continue working. At IICA, we discovered phenomenal work teams and representatives in the countries with whom we have been able to scale up the technologies that emerge from FONTAGRO projects.”

She concluded by urging Otero to  “continue his work with the scientific community of Latin America and the Caribbean” emphasizing that “his leadership has put us back on the map. We are now part of international dialogues in which we had not been involved hitherto.”