Côte d’Ivoire has announced a strategy to reduce its nearly $1 billion annual rice import bill by investing heavily in irrigated agriculture and agro-industrial infrastructure.
Agriculture Minister Bruno Koné said at a conference in Abidjan that the country must shift from rainfed farming to large-scale irrigation to boost productivity and achieve food self-sufficiency.
The plan includes the development of nine agro-industrial parks, with three already operational or under construction, and an estimated investment need of up to 1,200 billion CFA francs.
Officials say the strategy will help significantly increase rice production while attracting private investment and strengthening food security through modernized agricultural value chains and regional partnerships.
