ICBA (International Center for Biosaline Agriculture)

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is an international agricultural research center headquartered in Dubai, dedicated to developing sustainable farming solutions for salt-affected, arid, and water-scarce environments. Established in 1999 as a nonprofit organization under the auspices of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, ICBA serves developing countries facing the dual challenge of land degradation through soil salinization and chronic water scarcity. The center conducts applied research on crops and farming systems that can tolerate saline water and soils, developing varieties of quinoa, barley, forages, and other species that offer viable production options for communities working in marginal agricultural environments. ICBA also develops and tests sustainable water management approaches including deficit irrigation, water recycling, and the use of treated wastewater for agriculture. Its research programs are implemented in close partnership with national agricultural research systems in the Middle East, Central Asia, South Asia, and Africa. ICBA provides technical training and capacity building for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers in partner countries, helping to translate research findings into practical solutions. The center engages with climate change adaptation work, helping farming communities in vulnerable regions develop resilience to increasing droughts, heat events, and soil degradation. ICBA’s position in Dubai gives it strong connections to Gulf Cooperation Council agricultural agencies and governments, enabling regional collaboration on food security and sustainable land management.