Advances in Rice Research and Development in Ethiopia

Abstract

Rice is now a strategic commodity for food security in Africa. More than 750 million people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) consume it. Demand is growing faster than for any other food staple because of changes in consumer preferences, rapid urbanization, and population growth. Rice is the single most important source of dietary energy in West Africa and the third most important for Africa as a whole. Rice imports in SSA will continue to grow as rising demand outpaces increases in rice production. Despite significant increases in rice production in several African countries over the last few years, the continent still imports nearly 40% of its rice requirements. According to the FAO, in 2014, rice deliveries to Africa were estimated at 14.5 million tons, representing an all-time record and accounting for 34% of global imports. The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) was established in 1971 by eleven West African countries, as the West African Rice development Association (WARDA) with the aim of increasing local rice production to close the widening gap between rice supply and demand. Results delivered by WARDA over the years led to its recognition as an important organization that could contribute to boosting the rice sector not only in West Africa but also in other African countries that were interested in rice production. This was marked by relevant research products such as varieties, methods and practices, tools and policy options delivered, which were contributing to the development of the rice sector in member countries and other countries from the other regions of Africa joining as members of WARDA to benefit from its results. The recognition of the importance of the research work carried out by WARDA, led to it being accepted as one of the 15 Centers of the CGIAR in 1987. The growth in membership, with requests form countries from all over Africa, led to a change in name in 2009 to AfricaRice. AfricaRice considers the rice sector development as a potential engine for economic growth across the continent. To realize this vision it developed a ten-year strategic trajectory captioned ―Boosting Africa‘s Rice Sector: A research for development strategy 2011–2020,‖ which was approved by its council of Ministers in 2011. The objective of this strategy is to increase the productivity and profitability of the rice sector whilst ensuring the sustainability of the farming environment. The plan is 8 implemented through four crosscutting continental rice research and development programs as follows:  Genetic diversity and improvement;  Sustainable productivity enhancement;  Policy, innovation systems and impact assessment; and  Rice sector development. The Plan continues to deliver research products and services, which are relevant to developing the rice sector in countries. In addition, with the aim of accelerating the process of rice self-sufficiency and reducing the rising import bills of African countries, AfricaRice is implementing special strategic initiatives, which focus on increasing the performance of the rice value chain through strengthening involvement especially of the private sector.