The challenge of rice self-sufficiency in Côte d’Ivoire: efforts to increase production
Côte d’Ivoire, a great lover of rice, faces a major challenge: that of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. Currently, the country produces only 1.2 million tonnes of milled rice per year, while the need is estimated at 2 million tonnes. To make up this difference, the country depends on imports.
However, public and private players in the sector have put in place various initiatives to increase local production and hope to achieve self-sufficiency in the coming years. The goal is to increase yield by modernizing production methods. Inspired by the Indian model, the mechanization of production is encouraged, with the creation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specializing in agricultural services. These SMEs are trained and equipped to provide services such as plowing fields. Thanks to this, the mechanization rate increased from 4% to 15% in just two years.
However, land degradation and climate change are additional obstacles to rice production in Côte d’Ivoire. Deforestation has led to a reduction in fallow duration and soil impoverishment. The National Agronomic Research Center (CNRA) works to regenerate soils and develop varieties resistant to diseases such as yellow variegation. These efforts aim to improve crop productivity and resilience to environmental challenges.
Despite efforts to increase production, Ivory Coast also relies on imports to meet the growing demand for rice. Annual rice consumption in the country is around 1.9 million tonnes, while local production reaches 1.3 million tonnes. The long-term objective is to be able not only to meet local demand, but also to become a rice supplier for the sub-region.
In conclusion, Côte d’Ivoire is striving to meet the challenge of self-sufficiency in rice production. Despite the obstacles linked to land degradation and climate change, initiatives are being put in place to modernize production and increase yield. The ultimate objective is to be able to meet the growing demand for rice in the local and regional market.