NRI is deeply saddened by the passing of Kathy Kahn, whose vision, leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of smallholder farmers left an indelible mark on our work and on agricultural development worldwide.
As a Programme Officer at the Gates Foundation, Kathy was a trusted partner, advocate and champion of science-driven solutions to some of the world's most pressing food security challenges. Over many years, she worked closely with NRI researchers and international partners, helping to shape and support programmes that sought to improve the resilience, productivity and livelihoods of farming communities across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Among the many initiatives she oversaw was the second and final phase of the African Cassava Whitefly Project (ACWP), a major international collaboration established to tackle the damaging impact of whiteflies and the viral diseases they spread, causing devastating yield losses in Africa. Through Kathy's leadership and support, significant investment was directed towards advancing scientific understanding of whitefly outbreaks and developing practical solutions for farmers. These efforts contributed to the development of tolerant cassava varieties, innovative pest management strategies and strengthened research capacity across Africa.
But Kathy's contribution extended far beyond project management. Colleagues remember her as someone who combined scientific rigour with genuine warmth and humanity. She understood that successful development programmes are built not only on strong science, but also on trust, collaboration and long-term partnerships. Her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose helped create lasting networks that continue to drive innovation today.
Professor Andrew Westby said: ‘Kathy Kahn made a major contribution as an international leader and champion for agricultural research for development. NRI colleagues and partners appreciated her commitment and support for the collaborative projects we engaged in. She has left a positive and lasting legacy in the lives of smallholder farmers in low and middle-income countries.’
Professor Susan Seal said: ‘Kathy was truly inspirational, as a programme officer and person. She cared genuinely and deeply about the wellbeing of every person in the teams she worked with. This made her a joy to work with and helped the research programmes she led achieve greater success and impact. Her passing is such a devastating loss, but her tireless work to make the world a better place will continue through all those blessed to have known her.’
Kathy was deeply committed to ensuring that research translated into meaningful impact for the communities it was intended to serve. She consistently championed approaches that centred the needs of farmers and recognised the importance of building local capacity and leadership. Her encouragement, strategic insight and belief in the value of collaborative research helped many projects flourish and inspired those fortunate enough to work alongside her.
The legacy Kathy leaves behind can be measured in strengthened scientific partnerships, enhanced food security, improved livelihoods and the many researchers and practitioners whose work she supported. But perhaps her greatest legacy lies in the countless lives that continue to benefit from the programmes she helped make possible.
Her contributions to global food security and agricultural development will continue to be felt for generations to come.