Rice Production in Africa

Abstract

Oryza glaberrima Steudel, one of the two cultivated rice species, originates from Africa where it has been grown for more than 3000 years. Rice is currently cultivated in rainfed upland and aquatic ecologies in 40 countries in Africa on nearly 10 million ha. Nevertheless, due to outdated production systems, biotic and abiotic constraints as well as low investment in production technologies, only 60 % of the consumer demand is met through local production and the rest is imported. As a response to the recent (2007–2008) rice crisis and other challenges (such as population growth, rapid urbanization, climate change, and natural resource degradation), national, regional, and international institutions have led to an investment of resources toward boosting rice production on the continent. Consequently, many countries have national strategic plans and favorable policies for increasing rice production. The impact of these measures was immediate, including unprecedented increases in yields per unit area. The current situation is encouraging and new and existing partnerships should be strengthened to address challenges across the whole rice value chain for enhanced sustainable food security across the continent.