ECOWAS pledges to support AfricaRice in a bid to bolster rice production in West Africa

WEST AFRICA – The Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) has committed to provide support for AfricaRice, a prominent pan-African research Centre dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods of rice farmers in Africa.

The commitment was made by H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS during a visit by Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, the Director-General of AfricaRice, to the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on November 24, 2023.

President Touray provided Dr. Manneh with a firm commitment to support AfricaRice in its mission to drive agricultural transformation and foster economic growth by promoting the production of high-quality rice.

According to Touray, this commitment highlights the dedication of the ECOWAS Commission towards enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security within the region.

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), formerly known as the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA), is a pan-African intergovernmental association and a CGIAR Research organization that was constituted in 1971 by 11 West African countries.

The center works to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security in Africa through research, development, and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment.

During the meeting, President Touray extended a cordial reception to Dr. Manneh and lauded the efforts of AfricaRice in the region.

He apprised Dr. Manneh about the Commission’s strategic plan to effectively utilize agriculture as a key driver for regional economic development. Moreover, he acknowledged the security implications associated with crop failures, which can significantly impact food security in specific regions of the area.

On his part, Dr. Manneh advocated for ECOWAS to seize every opportunity at its disposal to guarantee that farmers in the region have access to financial support from international development partners.

He conveyed his gratitude for the organization’s dedication to enhancing rice production across the region.

He underscored the significance of the partnership between AfricaRice and ECOWAS, commending the organization’s endeavors to supply the region with enhanced rice varieties and foster agricultural alliances that bolster rice self-sufficiency.

AfricaRice is one of the 15 international agricultural research centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).