CENTER FOR DESERT AGRICULTURE
Research center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Dedicated to the study, engineering, and implementation of sustainable agriculture in extreme environments
The global population is projected to reach
10 billion by 2050
How do we ensure a secure, safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for future generations?
The Center for Desert Agriculture is committed to finding smart and efficient solutions
to produce high-value crops and staples
to reduce reliance on water, fertilizer, and pesticides
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
to increase plant growth potential on marginal lands
to empower the next generation of Saudi Arabian
citizens to be global leaders in sustainable agriculture
Photo by Linda Polik.
RESEARCH THEME
Our primary research focus is on field-based cropping systems, with 3 collaborative projects covering important aspects of sustainable agroecosystem agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia.
RESEARCH GROUPS
Our international team of scientists investigate a broad variety of biology topics within 10 specialized research laboratories.
Plant Breeding and Genetics Lab
PROFESSOR JESSE POLAND
Stress Granule Lab
PROFESSOR MONIKA CHODASIEWICZ
Wing Lab
PROFESSOR ROD WING
CDA NEWS
25 September, 2022
Edible education breaks ground for a healthy generation
The CDA launched Saudi Arabia's first edible education program to promote sustainable agriculture as well as a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food for the coming generation.
22 September, 2022
Where I Work: Dr. Vanessa Melino
Interview with CDA Research Scientist, Dr. Vanessa Melino: “Salicornia is so salt tolerant that it can grow in full seawater.”
05 September, 2022
Red Sea Farms, SAUDIA sign MoU to bring healthy, locally-sourced meals to passengers
CDA spinoff company, Red Sea Farms partners with Saudi Airlines and takes another step toward feeding the Kingdom sustainably.