Nigeria Hosts ECOWAS Rice Observatory Meeting to Boost Regional Rice Production
Abuja, Nigeria – On May 21, 2024, Nigeria hosted the inaugural meeting of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) Rice Observatory (ERO), aiming to enhance regional self-sufficiency in rice production. The three-day conference brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies and collaborative efforts to improve rice production and achieve food security in West Africa.
Alain Sy Traore, Director for Agriculture and Rural Development at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the need for collective action to address regional challenges. “We have developed strategies, including the Sustainable Rice Development strategy, and established the ECOWAS Rice Observatory to tackle the lingering issues in rice production. This assembly marks the beginning of a unified effort to revamp our energy and push the agenda in support of member states.”
Peter Dama, Chairman of the ERO African Rice Forum, Nigerian chapter, expressed the hope for self-sufficiency and sustainable production to feed citizens across the region. “Rice has become a staple in all ceremonies, and we aim to produce it sustainably to meet the demand.”
Dama highlighted the challenges faced by Nigerian farmers, including insecurity, lack of support, and high costs of fuel, which contribute to the high cost of rice. However, he expressed optimism that the ERO assembly would bring technological solutions and ideas to address these challenges.
Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agri-Business and Productivity Enhancement, revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in the food sector and plans to clear 500 hectares of farmland for cultivation, including rice-producing states.
The meeting brought together 15 member states to present their national activities and develop common goals towards achieving regional self-sufficiency in rice production.
