ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – November 20, 2024 – The African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has approved an initial investment of $99.16 million to bolster rice cultivation value chains across West Africa. This initiative, dubbed the Regional West Africa Rice Development Project, aims to enhance food security and self-sufficiency in the region by 2030.
The funding will be directed towards the first beneficiary nations, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, alongside regional institutions like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice). The project leverages a mix of instruments, including grants from the AfDB’s concessional window ($79.16 million), the Transition Support Facility ($19.39 million), and contributions from beneficiary governments and institutions.
This strategic investment is designed to achieve a multi-pronged approach:
- Increased Rice Production and Productivity: The project will focus on developing irrigation infrastructure, improving seed distribution (including climate-resilient varieties), and strengthening processing and marketing capabilities.
- Enhanced Income Generation for Farmers: Particular emphasis will be placed on empowering women and young people by providing skills development, access to finance, and support for agricultural cooperatives and mechanization.
- Resilient Rice Production Systems: The initiative aims to strengthen rice farms’ capacity to adapt to climate change and extreme weather events.
Regional Impact and Targeted Support
The project extends its benefits beyond the initial beneficiaries. All 15 West African nations will gain from the implementation of regional projects, including needs assessments for seeds and varieties, improved seed production and distribution, and policy harmonization efforts spearheaded by ECOWAS.
At the national level, the project has set ambitious targets. In Gambia, 20,000 rice farmers (including a significant proportion of women and young people) will benefit from improved access to essential resources like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Additionally, 40 women will receive support for financial inclusion. Guinea-Bissau follows a similar approach, targeting 16,000 rice farmers and 50,000 producers for enhanced resource access.
This initiative by the AfDB represents a significant stride towards bolstering West Africa’s rice sector, fostering food security, and empowering farmers, particularly women and young people, to play a more significant role in the region’s agricultural development.
