As part of its agricultural development cooperation policy, the Japanese government has granted a funding of approximately 1.2 million US dollars, equivalent to about 688.7 million CFA francs, to Côte d’Ivoire. This aid, facilitated by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), specifically aims to support the digitization of the Ivorian rice sector, a key industry for national food security.

Addressing the challenges of Rice production in Côte d’Ivoire

Rice is a major staple food in Côte d’Ivoire, where the average consumption per capita reaches 84 kg per year. Despite this high demand, local production struggles to meet needs, causing a deficit that results in heavy reliance on imports. In 2023, the country imported approximately 1.6 million tons of rice, representing a bill exceeding 722 million USD.

Faced with this imbalance, the Ivorian government has made the rice sector a strategic priority in its ambition to achieve food self-sufficiency by 2026. The Japanese support through the FAO thus provides crucial assistance to this ambition by introducing digital tools and technologies aimed at improving the value chain, productivity, and organization of stakeholders.

Objectives of digitization in the rice sector

Digitization targets several major areas:

• Better organizing producers and improving coordination within the sector.
• Ensuring precise monitoring of yields and farming practices.
• Reducing post-harvest losses through adapted technologies.
• Facilitating market access, notably through digital platforms and climate data.

The injection of this funding is expected to modernize the sector by improving management and making technical and commercial interventions more efficient.

A strategic partnership between Côte d’Ivoire, FAO and Japan

This funding is part of a strategic tripartite partnership. The FAO acts as executor and facilitator to support Côte d’Ivoire in implementing this digitization. The Japanese government, for its part, confirms its commitment to supporting agricultural development and food security in West Africa through targeted investments.

The State Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani, praised this initiative, recalling that rice production is at the heart of government priorities in light of the current structural deficit.

Towards mechanization and self-sufficiency

Beyond digitization, Côte d’Ivoire is also relying on a broader modernization strategy, including mechanization of the rice sector. The State aims to raise mechanization rates from 5% (in 2022) to 30% by 2025 in order to improve productivity and reduce import dependence. This dynamic complements the self-sufficiency goal set for 2026, supported by multi-year investments estimated at over 780 billion FCFA between 2024 and 2030.