Africa Rice Center - Cocody - Ivory Coast

The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is a pan-African intergovernmental research organization dedicated to improving rice production and food security across the continent. Founded in 1971 as WARDA (West Africa Rice Development Association), it evolved into AfricaRice in 2009 to reflect its broader continental mission. Headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, AfricaRice collaborates with 28 African countries and operates research stations across West and Central Africa.

AfricaRice’s most notable achievement is the development of NERICA (New Rice for Africa) varieties, which combine the high yield of Asian rice with the resilience of African rice. These varieties have significantly boosted rice productivity, contributing to food security and poverty reduction in many African communities.

In 2020, AfricaRice inaugurated the Rice Biodiversity Center for Africa (RBCA), housing Africa’s largest collection of rice genetic material. This center supports breeding programs focused on climate-resilient and pest-resistant rice varieties, crucial for adapting to changing environmental conditions.

Looking ahead to 2030, AfricaRice’s strategy aims to transform rice-based food systems by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, public-private partnerships, and capacity building. Their impactful research has generated billions in economic benefits and helped millions escape poverty.

AfricaRice remains a cornerstone in Africa’s quest for food self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural development.