Rice research in Africa provides a strong case for investment

Excited by the work of the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) and its partners on the development of new stress-tolerant and climate-resilient technologies for major rice production systems in Africa, the Chair of the AfricaRice Board of Trustees Dr. Peter Matlon stated at the recent Board meeting, “We believe that rice research in Africa provides a strong case for investment.”

The Board described AfricaRice’s new product-oriented 10-year strategic plan, which presents a clear vision of success to help Africa achieve almost 90% self-sufficiency in rice by year 2020, as “a compelling and convincing agenda for realizing Africa’s tremendous rice potential.”

“Our ambition is to maintain high standards of excellence at all levels and to keep in mind that AfricaRice can achieve its mission only through strong national agricultural research systems and strategic partnerships worldwide in order to bring the best efforts of rice science to bear on the immense challenge of food security faced by Africa,” said AfricaRice Director General Dr. Papa Abdoulaye Seck.

Gratefully acknowledging the strong support of donors and partners, particularly the member countries of AfricaRice, the Board concluded that rice research in Africa was on the right track.

AfricaRice is an intergovernmental research association of 24 African member countries. It is also a member of the CGIAR Consortium.

Podcast credit : R.Raman, AfricaRice