The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) promotes cactus pear as a crop that millions of farmers in semi-arid and dry areas use to improve their nutrition and incomes. Cactus is a multifunctional crop, mitigating drought and combating desertification and it helps farmers in dry areas cope with climate change. Cactus pear needs few inputs and uses water efficiently and it can replace expensive fodder and the farmer can generate more income. The cactus plants can be a source of water for livestock, particularly during the summer months when high temperatures and water scarcity threaten food security. For humans, edible cactus can serve medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

ICARDA developed agronomic practices to maximize productivity.  It carried out awareness-raising and capacity development alongside research centres, public bodies and NGOs and further facilitated business development by sharing experiences within its network.