From January 13th to 15th, 2025, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), conducted a specialized three-day training program aimed at equipping JICA Overseas Volunteers with advanced rice cultivation skills to enhance agricultural productivity across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The training brought together participants from Uganda, Kenya, Ghana, Japan, and Zambia, creating a platform for cross-border knowledge exchange and hands-on learning. Designed to address the growing demand for rice in Africa, the program focused on practical solutions to improve rice production, strengthen seed systems, and boost food security.
With Africa’s rice consumption projected to reach 40 million metric tons by 2030, enhancing local cultivation practices is crucial to reduce import dependence and promote self-sufficiency. Currently, 60% of the continent’s rice demand is met through imports, making such initiatives vital for achieving the target of a 30% reduction in imports over the next decade.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions, field visits, and hands-on demonstrations, gaining real-world experience in critical aspects of rice production, including:
- Infrastructure development for efficient irrigation and water management.
- Field observations to assess soil conditions and crop health.
- Pest and disease management strategies for sustainable production.
- Nursery bed preparation to ensure optimal seedling growth.
- Post-harvest handling techniques to minimize losses and enhance quality.
- Safe use of agricultural chemicals for responsible farming practices.
- Rice value chain and market insights to improve farmer profitability.
The training was led by Dr. Charles Kasozi and Dr. Joji Miyazawa, alongside NaCRRI’s Cereals Program experts, ensuring that volunteers received cutting-edge insights tailored to the unique challenges of rice farming in Africa.
Dr. Kasozi emphasized the transformative impact of empowering volunteers with practical skills, stating:
This training goes beyond knowledge transfer—it’s about equipping communities with sustainable solutions to enhance rice production and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Miyazawa highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, noting:
Bringing together participants from multiple countries fosters a shared vision for advancing rice farming techniques that will drive agricultural transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The JICA-NaCRRI partnership is a crucial step in building resilient agricultural systems that support smallholder farmers, enhance local rice production, and reduce reliance on imports. By strengthening skills in sustainable rice cultivation, the initiative contributes to Africa’s broader goal of achieving food security, economic resilience, and agricultural sustainability.
