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"To make a difference is not what is in your pocket that matters, it is what is in your heart that truly matters." -  Dr. Cedric Habiyaremye

About Dr. Cedric Habiyaremye

As a kid, Cedric often went hungry, living in a refugee camp and through a national famine in Rwanda. Today, he is a renowned crop scientist and agricultural entrepreneur, developing solutions for a zero-hunger and malnutrition-free world; he is the scientist who introduced Quinoa to Rwanda and other African countries. Currently Cedric serves as Food Systems Policy Director at Food Systems for the Future (FSF), where he leads policy development and advocacy efforts to promote sustainable, equitable, and resilient global food systems through multi-stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, and evidence-based solutions.. Prior to joining FSF, He led the Global Participatory Quinoa research program at Washington State University. 

 

Cedric is also a celebrated sustainability entrepreneur. He founded QuinoaHub, a leading multinational agribusiness company dedicated to advancing research and production of climate-resilient nutritious crop species. In 2024, QuinoaHub was recognized by the US Department of State's Office of Global Food Security as the VACS champion for its unique approach in advancing food security around the world thought its innovative participatory breeding programs, enhancing genetic diversity, and enriching cropping systems. Additionally, he founded Origencia Group, a global research and consulting firm that implements data-driven strategies for various organizations, enhancing their operational and environmental sustainability.

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His influence extends to the global stage; in 2024 he was selected to join the eminent Aspen Strategy Group Rising Leaders Program. As an Aspen Strategy Group Rising Leader, he joins domestic and global leaders to discuss solutions to the most pressing national security and foreign policy challenges of our time. Additionally, he is a member of the Private Sector Mechanism to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security. He is also a member of the United Nations Association and a New Voices Senior Fellow at the Aspen Institute. Cedric is also currently serving on the board of directors of the Healing Soils Foundation and is Vice-Chair of Building Bridges with Rwanda.

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Cedric’s leadership and innovative approaches in community development and the fight against hunger around the world have garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious World Hunger Leadership Award in 2018. He also participated in numerous White House briefings on issues related to global food security, collaborated with Harvard University on developing the first-ever global diet quality monitoring system, and contributed to high-impact research projects with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Additionally, Cedric served as the youngest member of the Global Agriculture Task Force of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, where he contributed to the 2019 Global Food Security Report. He also served as a fellow for the US Borlaug Fellowship on Global Food Security in 2017, a fellow for the Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program in 2016, and a fellow for the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development in 2015. He is also a recipient of the 2015 Washington State University College of Agricultural Human and Natural Resource Sciences Interdisciplinary Research Team Award.

 

Cedric's work and insights have been featured in major media outlets such as BBC World News, Forbes, Al Jazeera, NPR, Thomson Reuters, Yahoo! News, The Christian Science Monitor, The Spokesman-Review, The New Times, and many more. He is regularly invited to speak around the world. As a scientist, he gives talks and lectures in colleges, universities, and other institutions and at various international meetings and conferences around the world, covering topics on global food and nutritional security and other related issues. As a motivational speaker, Cedric transmits uplifting messages relevant to real life to help others rise above their circumstances and thrive for self-reliance. In 2020 he gave a TED Talk that attracted aver 1.4 million viewers and was also translated in 20 languages.

 

Cedric has a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Agronomy and Crop Science from Washington State University, a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science with Honors, and an Advanced Diploma in Soil and Water Management from the University of Rwanda (Formerly known as ISAE-Busogo). Now residing in Spokane, Washington, with his beloved wife and daughter, he balances his professional endeavors with a love for music, dancing, and quality time with his family and friends. He is a fervent music enthusiast with a profound passion for dancing and playing various musical instruments.

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OTHER INTERESTS

Empowering Fellow Youth

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Beyond his professional endeavors, Cedric has taken on some projects to address issues that interest him personally, investing in education in developing countries by establishing scholarship funds supporting students from low-income families—allowing them the opportunity to pursue their dreams. He believes that such investments are crucial in nurturing a well-educated and skilled workforce—vital for sustaining and advancing the economy of these nations.

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He is also dedicated to what he calls impact investment—investing in young entrepreneurs who show promise in developing innovations that have the potential to significantly enhance the lives of the poorest.

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He also launched a mentorship program dedicated to empowering youth to unlock their potential, build confidence, accelerate success, and achieve their personal or professional goals.

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One of Cedric’s favorite quotes is: “Life isn't days and years; it is what you do with your time with all the goodness and grace inside you.”

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EDUCATION

2019

Ph.D., Agronomy and Crop Science

Washington State University, Pullman, WA.

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2016

MS, Agronomy and Crop Science

Washington State University, Pullman, WA.

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2013

BS, Agricultural Science with Honours in Irrigation and Drainage

University of Rwanda College of Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) formerly known as (ISAE-Busogo), Musanze, Rwanda.

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2012

A1 (Advanced Diploma) in Soil and Water Management

University of Rwanda College of Agriculture, and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) formerly known as (ISAE-Busogo), Musanze, Rwanda.

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2007

High School Diploma in Biochemistry & Latin

Petit Séminaire St Kizito de Zaza, Ngoma, Rwanda.

Expeditions

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