Press release: FAO Representative takes office in Cameroon/Communiqué de presse : Le Représentant de la FAO prend ses fonctions au Cameroun
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Dr. Antonio Querido takes office as FAO Representative in Cameroon
A renewed commitment to food security and sustainable development
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01/07/2025, Yaoundé – Dr. Antonio Luís Évora Ferreira Querido officially presented his credentials to His Excellency Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister of External Relations of Cameroon, marking the formal start of his tenure as the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the country.
During the credential ceremony, Dr. Querido reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Cameroon in its efforts to end hunger, improve nutrition, and build resilient, sustainable agricultural systems. He emphasized the importance of strengthening national and local initiatives to ensure access to healthy diets and enhance agricultural productivity in the face of growing climate and socio-economic challenges.
“My priority is to work hand in hand with the Government of Cameroon and all stakeholders to scale up effective, inclusive, and climate-resilient solutions that improve rural livelihoods and strengthen national food systems,” Dr. Querido stated.
His appointment signals renewed momentum in the partnership between FAO and Cameroon, at a time when the country is making significant progress toward agricultural modernization, food security, and environmental sustainability.
A career marked by excellence and commitment
A national of Cabo Verde, Dr. Antonio Luís Querido was appointed FAO Representative to Cameroon by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu in April 2025. He brings to the role over 30 years of experience in agricultural research, environmental management and international development cooperation.
Dr. Querido began his career in 1993 as a researcher and later served as Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the National Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (INIDA) in Cabo Verde, before becoming its President from 2001 to 2004. From 2008 to 2010, he held the position of Dean of the Department of Science and Technology at the University of Cabo Verde.
In 2010, he joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as Head of the Environment, Energy, and Disaster Prevention Unit in Cabo Verde. He later transitioned to the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2016, serving as Senior Technical Advisor in Angola. From 2018 to 2025, he was FAO Representative in Uganda.
Dr. Querido holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Plant Science – Agronomy from the University of California, Davis (USA), a Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Systems Analysis and Monitoring from ITC Enschede (Netherlands), and a PhD in Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences from the University of Hawaii at Manoa (USA).
Strengthening FAO’s action in Cameroon
Under the leadership of Dr. Querido, FAO will reinforce its strategic engagement in Cameroon, with a strong focus on transforming agri-food systems to become more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This effort aligns with FAO’s global vision of achieving the “Four Betters”: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life for all.
FAO will continue to prioritize the strengthening of farmers’ capacities, the promotion of innovation and technology in agriculture, and the sustainable management of natural resources. As the official representative of the FAO Director-General, Dr. Querido will collaborate closely with national institutions, development partners, and local stakeholders to design and implement inclusive, climate-resilient solutions tailored to Cameroon’s evolving agricultural and environmental landscape.
Dr. Querido succeeds Dr. Athman Mravili, who served with distinction as FAO Representative in Cameroon for five years and is now the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Central Africa.
About FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO’s goal is to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. With over 194 member states, FAO works in more than 130 countries worldwide, helping governments and partners make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive, sustainable, and resilient, while ensuring inclusive rural development and better nutrition for all. Name: Gaëlle Ngando Mbaye Title: Communications Officer
Office: FAO Cameroon
E-mail/Phone: gaelle.ngandombaye@fao.org/+237 658064316
Country X (formerly Twitter) Handle: @FAOCameroun
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Gaëlle Massack Mbaye
Chargée de la Communication des projets
Représentation de la FAO au Cameroun
335 Rue 1810 Bastos | B.P. 281 Yaoundé-Cameroun
Tél: +237 658 06 43 16
Courriel: Gaelle.NgandoMbaye@fao.org
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Dr Antonio Querido prend ses fonctions en tant que Représentant de la FAO au Cameroun.pdf96.5 kB
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PR_Dr Querido takes office in Cameroon.pdf232.8 kB
NgandoMbaye, Gaelle (FAOCM)
