New $8.5m Programme to Boost Rice Production in West Africa
The African Development Bank Group, in partnership with the Africa Rice Centre and the Economic Community of West African States, has launched an $8.5 million regional programme aimed at strengthening climate-resilient rice value chains across 14 West African countries.
Known as the Strengthening Adaptation to Climate Change of Rice Value Chains in West Africa programme, or REWARD-AfricaRice, the initiative will run until 2029 and support Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
Launched on 13 February in Bouaké, central Côte d’Ivoire, the programme seeks to address long-standing structural challenges in the rice sector amid rapid population growth and urbanisation. It focuses on improving seed systems, promoting sustainable farming practices, upgrading processing technologies and strengthening regional coordination to boost rice self-sufficiency.
The REWARD programme is expected to increase rice yields from an average of two tonnes per hectare to as much as seven tonnes, while raising annual farmer incomes from about $1,385 to $1,605. It also aims to reduce rice imports, enhance regional integration and create up to 78,000 jobs, including around 39,000 opportunities for women.
Speaking at the launch, ECOWAS Rice Programme Coordinator Boladade Adebowale said rice was central to food sovereignty and economic resilience in the region. He noted that the programme demonstrates the value of regional collaboration in advancing West Africa’s food security agenda.
Eklou Attiogbevi-Somado, Head of the Regional Division for Agriculture and Agro-Industry in West Africa at the African Development Bank Group, said the initiative aligns with the Bank’s broader strategy to strengthen Africa’s food systems through resilient and inclusive agricultural value chains.
AfricaRice Director General Baboucarr Manneh emphasised that rice self-sufficiency is critical for both economic stability and food security. He said the programme combines scientific research, innovation and institutional strengthening to deliver long-term benefits for farmers, processors and consumers.
The launch event brought together senior government officials from participating countries, national project implementation units, research institutions and development partners, marking a significant step towards building more resilient and competitive rice value chains in West Africa.
