Why an international Center for rice in Africa?
Millions of Africans are affected by the food crisis and especially by the increased prices and shortage of rice. Rice has become a staple food and high rice prices have caused riots in major African cities in early 2008. In 2007, sub-Saharan African countries imported approximately 10 million tons of rice, which is close to one-third of the rice available on the world market. However, relying on the world market to supply rice has become a very risky, expensive and unsustainable strategy. Rice prices have tripled over the last three years and global stocks are rapidly declining. To avoid severe food insecurity, civil unrest, and an economic downturn there is an urgent need to increase rice production in Africa. Africa Rice Center seeks to be a driving and dynamic force in assuring the pivotal role of rice in alleviating poverty and attaining food security, social equity, healthy livelihoods and environments in Africa. The Center believes that Africa has the potential to produce enough
Related Questions
- The Center is international, independent and neutral, and is assisted in its operation by advisory bodies composed of external experts in international dispute resolution and intellectual property. Which dispute-resolution procedures does the Center offer?
- Why an international Center for rice in Africa?
- What is the Africa Rice Center (WARDA)?
