In Africa, Prosperity From Rice Seeds Falls Short

Rice farmers in Africa are receptive to new technologies that will help them achieve rice sufficiency. However, the perennial problem of seed and fertilizer accessibility and water shortage hinders all attempts for the improvement of the rice industry. The new rice of Africa or NERICA, developed through financing by wealthy developed countries and foundations brought initial hope to the African farmers, but seeds are not available.

The African Development Bank has started to finance a $34 million program in seven countries to spur wider use of the new rice seeds. However, there are other complex problems associated with initiatives related to financing, since African farmers typically lack credit to buy seed and fertilizer and there is lack of government assistance. In addtion, there is lack of decent market roads, storage facilities, and crop insurance.

See press release for complete details at: http://www.rockfound.org/about_us/news/2007/1010agra_seeds.shtml#top