Get Guardian on GoogleThe Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are set to launch a $650 million regional rice development programme in Abuja on Wednesday, November 11, as part of efforts to reduce West Africa’s dependence on imported rice and strengthen food security.
The Regional Rice Resilient Value Chains Development Programme (REWARD) is designed to improve rice production and processing, strengthen the competitiveness of the regional value chain and help countries respond to climate and market disruptions.
The programme will cover ECOWAS member states and countries of the Alliance of Sahel States, with the regional launch expected to bring together political leaders, policymakers, development partners, research institutions and private sector representatives at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja.
Supported by the AfDB, REWARD is valued at approximately $650 million and is aligned with national rice development strategies, the Regional Rice Roadmap for 2025 to 2035 and investment plans developed by participating countries.
ECOWAS will lead the programme’s third component, which focuses on regional and national policy reforms, technical assistance and stronger coordination among participating countries.
The ECOWAS-led component has a grant allocation of $12 million over five years. Its priorities include harmonising rice-related policies, improving regulations governing agricultural inputs and establishing digital monitoring systems linked to the ECOWAS Rice Observatory.
The regional body said it will work with AfricaRice and other partners to support a more coordinated policy environment and improve the monitoring of progress across participating countries.
The programme is also expected to strengthen the links between rice producers, processors and other agribusiness operators, while improving access to affordable and quality rice for consumers.
The launch will be followed on Thursday by the first meeting of the steering committee for the ECOWAS-led component. Participants are expected to review the implementation plan, clarify institutional responsibilities and agree on immediate priorities and reporting arrangements.
The initiative comes amid continuing efforts by West African countries to expand domestic rice production and reduce exposure to international supply and price shocks.
However, the programme’s impact will depend on how effectively participating countries translate regional commitments into investment, improved production systems, better processing capacity and stronger markets for locally produced rice.
