33rd ordinary session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers: Toward a rice revolution in Africa for rice self-sufficiency and transformation of rice-based agri-food systems

The 33rd session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers recently held in Madagascar spanned three days, featuring a high-level technical ministerial meeting, Madagascar Rice Day, the National Experts Committee, and the Council's ordinary session.

The 1st day gathering focused on identifying key measures and investments to strengthen the rice value chain through strategic priorities, including:

- Analyzing gaps in policies and investments for rice production.

- Evaluating progress made by member countries toward rice self-sufficiency since the first high-level technical ministerial meeting in Dakar, in 2018.

- Defining priority actions to boost production and enhance food security in response to climate change on the continent.

The event brought together ministers from member countries, directors of national agricultural research centers, research experts, donors, and various partners from the agricultural sector. It underscored the strategic importance of AfricaRice in promoting rice cultivation across the continent.

Highlights from the Session

Keynote from AfricaRice Director General

Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of AfricaRice, emphasized the urgency of a unified approach to address rice cultivation challenges. Representatives from Uganda, Liberia, and Senegal shared their experiences, offering diverse perspectives for context-specific solutions.

Partner Contributions

Under the guidance of Dr. Papa Abdoulaye Seck, former AfricaRice Director General and ex-Minister of Agriculture in Senegal, financial partners presented regional programs, including:

- Resilience Strengthening for Rice Value Chains in West Africa (REWARD): Presented by Dr. Martin Fregene of the African Development Bank (AfDB), focusing on addressing climate and economic challenges.

- Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP): Funded by the World Bank, supporting food systems and resilience in East and Southern Africa and Madagascar.

-RIZAO: Funded by the MasterCard Foundation and presented by Dr. Aliou Diagne of AfricaRice, promoting youth employment in rice value chains in West Africa.

Ministers from Gambia, Nigeria, and Cameroon voiced their support for these initiatives, underscoring the importance of concrete commitments to ensure food security.

Panel Discussions on Successes and Challenges

A panel discussion featured insights from Egypt, Mali, and Uganda:

- Egypt highlighted its high-yield hybrid varieties.

- Mali emphasized its efforts to expand irrigated land, hampered by infrastructure challenges and a lack of youth participation in agriculture.

- Uganda and Ghana stressed the need for investment in rural electrification and solar energy.

Discussions revealed a shared commitment to increasing rice productivity through innovation and sustainable resource management. International and regional collaboration was seen as critical to achieving these goals.

Toward a Shared Vision for the Future of Rice Cultivation in Africa 

The first day ended with renewed commitments from international partners:

- The African Development Bank (AfDB) pledged support for rice production.

- The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) focused on assisting rural communities.

- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reaffirmed their support for resilient and integrated food systems.

The Minister of Agriculture of Madagascar, Mr. Hajarison François Sergio, called for enhanced cooperation to achieve sustainable, resilient, and innovative rice production, with the goal of making Africa self-sufficient and better prepared for climate and food challenges.

Day 2: Madagascar Rice Day

 The second day featured Madagascar Rice Day, spotlighting challenges and opportunities in Madagascar’s rice sector. Opening the session, Minister François Sergio reiterated Madagascar's commitment to boosting rice production, a cornerstone of its food security and economic strategy.

The country’s key objectives by 2028 include:

- Expanding rice-growing areas through rehabilitation and irrigation.

- Increasing certified seed usage from 7% to 30% and fertilizer use from 5.9 kg to 50 kg per hectare, supported by new fertilizer factories in rice hubs.

- Developing rainfed rice production.

- Promoting agricultural mechanization.

- Strengthening agricultural advisory services for farmers.

The day also showcased an exhibition of innovations and progress in Madagascar’s rice value chain, presented by stakeholders including AfricaRice and FOFIFA, who shared results from their collaboration, including new varieties and technologies. Participants were able to discover exhibits illustrating innovations and progress made in the links of the rice value chain in Madagascar, including production, processing, commercialization, financing and partnerships.

National Experts Committee Meeting 

The National Experts Committee (CEN) reviewed progress on resolutions from the 2022 session and discussed AfricaRice’s involvement in member states’ rice projects. Experts explored advancements in rice breeding technologies to improve yields and nutritional value while addressing challenges like climate change and food security. Recommendations and reports from this meeting laid the groundwork for future actions in the rice sector.

Conclusion: Day 2 session highlighted the importance of regional collaboration and sustainable solutions for food security in Africa. Through initiatives like increased mechanization, policy alignment, and financial support, AfricaRice and its partners aim to transform rice cultivation, ensuring a resilient, self-sufficient, and innovative future for African agriculture.

Day 3: A vibrant ordinary session of AfricaRice Council of Ministers

November 15, 2024, was marked by the official opening of the 33rd Ordinary Session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers, bringing together Ministers and senior officials from the 28 AfricaRice member countries and reaffirming the strategic importance of this institution in promoting rice value chain in Africa.

The 33rd Ordinary Session concluded with optimism for the future of rice farming in Africa. The closing ceremony featured a motion of thanks to participants for their dedication and marked the official transfer of the Council's presidency from Madagascar to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This transition symbolizes inter-African solidarity and continuity in governance. AfricaRice reaffirmed its role as a key player in developing sustainable rice farming, leveraging its expertise and partnerships to strengthen food systems and resilience against global crises.

Looking ahead, Dr Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga, DRC Minister for Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, will lead efforts to sustain this momentum and host the 34th session in Kinshasa in 2026, focusing on advancing Africa’s rice policy and seizing opportunities to build a thriving rice sector.