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The
Rice Challenge in Africa
 Demand.
Today, food means rice to millions of Africans. The demand for rice in
West and Central Africa (WCA), the rice belt of Africa, is growing at the
rate of 6% per annum—faster than anywhere else in the world.
The
growth is largely the result of urbanization, which is growing at the rate
of 3.5% per year in Africa—again the fastest in the world—and changing
consumer preferences.
Imports.
Rice imports
represent over 25% (in value) of total food imports in WCA. Since the
1960s, rice imports in the sub-region have increased eight-fold to 4
million tonnes per year, at an annual cost of over US$1 billion.
Domestic
production. Rice
is grown under subsistence conditions in WCA by about 20 million
smallholder farmers, many of whom are women. Many of the Asian rice
varieties grown by them are highly susceptible to insect pests, diseases,
weeds and toxic soils.
The
challenge. To create a new plant type—high-yielding and resistant
to local stresses—designed specifically for smallholder farming
conditions in Africa.
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Rice—an
integral part of African history and culture
Rice is
generally associated with Asia. But it is also an integral part of the
history and culture of Africa, where it has been grown for over 3000
years.
There are
only two species of cultivated rice in the world: Oryza
sativa (Asian rice) and Oryza
glaberrima (African
rice). The African rice is thought to have been domesticated in West
Africa some 3500 years ago. The Asian rice was introduced into West
Africa about 450 years ago.
The
African rice survives in small pockets. Its taste is well appreciated
and it is sometimes served as a special dish during festivals. It is
also used for rituals by certain communities |
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