Rice is the staple food in many cultures around the world, and Ivory Coast is no exception. However, the country currently produces only 1.2 million tonnes of milled rice per year, far below the 2 million tonnes needed to meet national demand. This deficit is filled by imports, which raises the question of food self-sufficiency.
Rice consumption in Côte d’Ivoire is estimated at around 1.9 million tonnes per year, or around 84 kg per capita. Ivorians have a strong preference for local rice, which is considered fragrant and fresh, unlike imported rice which can be on boats longer. This is why players in the sector hope to increase local production in order to meet growing demand.
Modernizing rice production is seen as key to increasing yields. A model that has proven itself is that of India, which went from an importing country to an exporting country thanks to the mechanization of its rice sector. In Côte d’Ivoire, similar initiatives have been launched to encourage young agricultural entrepreneurs to create SMEs and invest in agricultural machinery. Thanks to these efforts, the mechanization rate increased from 4% to 15% in just two years.
However, land degradation and the effects of climate change remain major concerns for rice producers in Côte d’Ivoire. Intense deforestation in the country has led to a reduction in fallows, which has led to soil depletion. Additionally, the emergence of new diseases linked to climate change also poses a challenge for farmers. The National Center for Agronomic Research (CNRA) is actively working to find solutions, such as the development of disease-resistant varieties.
With a view to becoming self-sufficient in terms of rice production, Côte d’Ivoire has set ambitious objectives. The country hopes to produce 4,200 tonnes of seeds by the end of the year, with the long-term goal of reaching 6,000 tonnes annually. This would not only meet national demand, but also supply neighboring countries in the sub-region.
In conclusion, although Côte d’Ivoire is a country with strong agricultural potential, rice production remains insufficient to meet growing demand. Modernization of the sector, soil protection and the fight against diseases are among the challenges to be met to achieve self-sufficiency in rice. However, with appropriate investments and continued efforts, Ivory Coast has the potential to become a major player in rice production in West Africa.