The lush fields of The Gambia recently played host to a groundbreaking event that could reshape the future of rice production in West Africa.
From December 3-6, 2024, agricultural experts, policymakers, and farmers from across the region gathered for the International Symposium on Sustainable Rice Production. This four-day extravaganza of innovation and collaboration brought together minds from Guinea, Senegal, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, all united by a common goal: to revolutionize rice production and achieve self-sufficiency.
Seeds of Change: Site Visits Reveal Challenges and Triumphs
Our journey began at Sahel Agribusiness, a private farm with a mission. Here, a retired military officer turned agricultural pioneer is working hand-in-hand with national research institutes to multiply foundation seeds into certified seeds for local farmers. Despite the farm's success, the visit highlighted the persistent challenges facing rice producers: inadequate water control, flooding, and post-harvest losses. It was a stark reminder of the need for climate-resilient technologies and robust infrastructure. The SAPU Centre, our second stop, showcased a different story. This collaborative effort between KOPIA(Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture) and NARI (National Agricultural Research Institute) is a testament to the power of international cooperation. Here, five key innovations are transforming rice production:
- Utilizing excellent rice varieties and seeds
- Improving drainage systems
- Timely application of fertilizers
- Mechanizing rice production
- Maintaining clean rice paddy fields
The results? Skyrocketing productivity and enhanced resilience against climate challenges.
Symposium Spotlight: Voices for Change
Following the field site visit, we attended the International Conference Centre in Banjul with anticipation. The Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Livestock set the tone, emphasizing the urgent need for rice self-sufficiency in a country that spends a staggering $80 million annually on rice imports. Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of Africa Rice, painted a vivid picture of rice production and consumption trends across 28 African countries from 2010 to 2024. His message was clear: consumption outpaces production in most countries, leading to a surge in food imports. But hope is not lost. Dr. Manneh outlined a roadmap for success:
- Intensify production by scaling up proven technologies
- Renovate and expand irrigated lowlands
- Make local production more cost-effective through demonstration and digitalization
- Improve seed systems
A Call to Action: From Gambia to Sierra Leone and Beyond
The symposium wasn't just about sharing knowledge—it was a call to action. For the Sierra Leone delegation, partly supported by the Korea Green Growth Trust Fund (KGGTF), the event was a springboard for change. They left determined to forge a partnership with KOPIA and implement the five key innovations in their own rice fields. As we reflect on this transformative event, one thing is clear: the future of rice production in West Africa is bright. Through innovative partnerships, knowledge sharing, and a commitment to sustainable practices, countries like The Gambia and Sierra Leone are poised to write a new chapter in their agricultural history—one where rice self-sufficiency is not just a dream, but a delicious reality. This symposium marks not just the end of an event, but the beginning of a promising partnership between Sierra Leone and Korea, paving the way for the transfer of cutting-edge rice production technology that could revolutionize Sierra Leone's agricultural landscape and bring it closer to rice self-sufficiency.
Grant: Youths and Women Climate-Smart Agri-preneurship (YaWoCA) Project
Grant Year: Year 12 (2024)
TTL: Adetunji Oredipe, Senior Agriculture Economist