Rice

The expected declines could increase pressure on grain supply chains serving the country’s food manufacturing, milling and livestock feed industries.

Ethiopia imports about 80% of the rice it consumes, while the government aims to reach 1.93 million tonnes of paddy rice output by 2030.

The program also aims to reduce Togo’s dependence on rice imports, with domestic milled rice production covering only about half of national demand in 2023.

The Department of Agriculture warned that a strong El Niño could cut rice production by up to 700,000 tonnes, or 3.5% of the annual target.

Kenya’s heavy dependence on imported rice is creating a major opportunity for domestic farmers and processors, with a new market-led private-sector initiative seeking to expand production, strengthen post-harvest handling and increase local milling capacity.