“The fundamental difference between video and training is that we easily forget what we have learnt during training workshops. After a training, we quickly forget and we are unable to share the acquired knowledge as only few people attended. Instead, with the video we never forget and so many exchanges are made."

Agbelere rice farmers’ association, Ifaki, Ekiti State, Nigeria

“When watching the video from Bangladesh, we were amazed to see rich and white people making the same thing just like us and using simple and accessible technologies. This was a very stimulating factor. I understand that in doing well, I could also export my rice.”

Ifelere rice farmers’ association, Ikole, Ekiti State, Nigeria

“After watching the video on rice parboiling, I was amazed to see that soaking is done for only one night and that it is possible to sort out the rice and wash it properly in order to have a good quality rice without dirt. Thus, I asked my wife to start washing, sorting and soaking the rice in order not to eat poor quality rice that aches the teeth and is locally called ‘Oh God rice’.”

Ifelere rice farmers’ association, Ikole, Ekiti State, Nigeria

" I would ask my parents to make an effort to cultivate more rice. The imported rice is not stored in good condition. It appears very white in bags but when it is cooked and eaten, it tastes different from the local rice. I wish a  lot of courage to all.

Tchando Paul, student in grade 6, Kouarfa, Benin

“We have to understand that the parboiled rice is the best. You can make trials. You can prepare separately parboiled, non-parboiled and imported rice and keep them closed in containers. One day later, you will notice that the parboiled rice has not changed while the two other types are moldy, rotten and smell. Benineses never give credit to locally made products. Everything that comes from abroad seems brighter. I will request all our parents present here to eat natural food. That is the real secret to good health.”

Kpara Sira, student in grade 6, Oroukayo, Benin

“I am very happy with the work of WARDA and the Cinéma Numérique Ambulante. We learnt a lot from the film that we just saw. The women didn’t know that one always has to properly clean and wash the paddy before parboiling. I again thank WARDA.”

Tingaté Marie, rice seller in Tectibayo, Benin

“I wish that the film would be in Fon [local language] and that all could have a copy.”

Edoh Pélagie, rice producer in Kpovidji, Benin

“I thank the crew of the Cinéma Numérique Ambulante and WARDA. We have to understand that parboiled rice is better. You can test this. Prepare parboiled rice, non-parboiled rice and imported rice separately and keep it in a bowl. One day later you will see that parboiled rice has not changed, whereas the two others start to spoil and smell. The Beninese never appreciates what he makes himself. Everything that comes from outside seems rose to you. I am asking all our parents that are present here tonight to consume natural. That is the true secret of health.”

Kpara Sira, pupil of 5th class, Oroukayo, Benin

“I am pleased to have seen this film as the producers in our village will start caring much better for their rice seed to obtain good crops. As such it has given us courage, we rice traders, to keep on buying paddy from them to resell, and this will give us joy.”

Affoussath, trader, Oroukayo, Benin

“Ah! So the breakage rate is not only due to the quality of the milling equipment.”

Women who watched the videos in Central Benin

“Even women outside Africa store their seed in airtight containers so our grand parents were right. Last year I had 8 kg of maize seed and all was lost due to insect damage. We use neem to treat malaria, but from the videos I learnt that it can also help to control against these pests. I am gonna store my maize and rice seed differently from now on and will ensure to pass on this knowledge to future generations.”

Elder woman in Touguikhouré, Guinea

To send us your feedback, please contact
Paul Van Mele at p.vanmele@cgiar.org or
Jonas Wanvoeke at j.wanvoeke@cgiar.org