TIME magazine has named Ismahane Elouafi one of the world's 100 most influential people in its annual list. Originally from Youssoufia, Elouafi currently heads the Global Consortium for Agricultural Research (CGIAR). She holds a degree from the Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine (IAV) in Rabat and a PhD in genetics from the University of Cordoba, Spain. Her work focuses on advancing research for global food security and transforming food, land, and water systems amid the climate crisis. A former Chief Scientist at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Elouafi is recognized for her efforts to combat global hunger, especially among children. «At a time when more people around the world are struggling to put food on the table for their families, CGIAR—the agricultural research organization she runs—is finding new ways to reduce poverty, increase food security, and improve nutrition», said Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, as quoted by TIME. According to CGIAR, this prestigious distinction from the American magazine highlights Elouafi's visionary leadership, which is shaping agricultural innovation and strengthening the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers around the world. For her part, Elouafi described the recognition as a tremendous honor. She dedicated the nomination to the dedicated scientists of CGIAR, its partners and donors, and to the millions of smallholder farmers who guide the institution's mission to ensure global food security. Beyond her leadership at CGIAR, Elouafi is also known for her research on halophytes such as quinoa and salicornia, which has had a major impact on food security and sustainability in countries affected by soil salinity.
