-
Rice is a staple food for a rapidly growing population in sub-Saharan Africa
(SSA).
-
Rice is the fourth most important cereal in SSA in terms of production (after sorghum, maize and millet).
-
Rice occupies 10% of the total land under cereal production and produces 15% of the total cereal production in
SSA.
-
Approximately 20 million farmers in SSA grow rice and about 100 million people depend on it for their livelihoods.
-
Rice is the staple food of a growing number of people in SSA; between 1961 and 2003 consumption increased annually by 4.4%.
-
Among the major cereals cultivated, rice is the most rapidly growing food source in Africa. Between 1985 and 2003, the annual increase in rice production was
4%, while production growth for maize and sorghum was only about 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively.
-
Africa is the only continent, where the two species of cultivated rice are grown—Oryza glaberrima (African rice) and Oryza sativa (Asian rice).
-
The most widely grown rice species, Oryza sativa, is originally from Asia and was introduced in Africa only about 450 years ago. It is high yielding and has a good
input response but it is not well adapted to African conditions.
-
Another, less well-known, rice species, Oryza. glaberrima, is originally from Africa and was domesticated in the Niger River Delta over 3,500 years ago. This species is well adapted to some of the most persistent biotic and abiotic stresses characterizing the African farming context, but generally has a lower yield potential.
-
It is a boon for the Africa Rice Center (WARDA) to be located in the region where the African rice originated. This gives its scientists a great and unique opportunity to exploit the biodiversity that this center of origin offers.
