Central African Republic, August 2024
A Critical Step Towards Agricultural Revival in the Central African Republic
Finalization of the National Rice Development Strategy 2025-2030 and elaboration of concept notes:
The Central African Republic (CAR), a nation with vast agricultural potential, has long struggled to fully exploit its natural resources due to political instability and insufficient infrastructure. Spanning 623,000 km², the CAR is home to approximately 4.5 million people and possesses abundant resources and favorable conditions for agriculture. Despite having 15 million hectares of arable land, only 800,000 hectares are cultivated each year, highlighting a significant opportunity for agricultural intensification, particularly in rice cultivation.
Recognizing the strategic importance of rice for both the economy and food security, the CAR government, with support from international partners, established the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) in 2012. This initiative aimed to bolster rice production, improve post-harvest processing, and enhance irrigation capabilities. However, the strategy’s implementation has been hampered by ongoing political and military crises, leading to a reliance on rice imports to meet domestic demand.
The Workshop on NRDS2: A Step Towards Revitalization
To address these challenges and adapt to the current realities, a pivotal workshop was held from July 28 to August 2, 2024, at Lewat Hotel in Douala, Cameroon. The workshop brought together 10 members of the NRDS2 Task Force, chaired by Mrs. Sylvie (focal point), to finalize the revised National Rice Development Strategy 2025-2030 (NRDS2) and develop actionable concept notes that will guide its implementation.
The workshop’s primary objectives were to:
- Finalize the NRDS2 with clear, actionable goals.
- Develop Concept Notes for projects that will facilitate the strategy’s execution.
Key Outcomes of the Workshop
Finalization of NRDS2 (2025-2030)
The revised NRDS, known as NRDS 2025, aims to significantly enhance rice productivity and reduce the country’s reliance on imports by 50% by 2030 while currently almost entirely import-dependent. The strategy focuses on:
- Increasing rice production in new areas.
- Developing hydro-agricultural and community infrastructure to strengthen the rice value chain and improve market access.
- Reinforcing the organizational, institutional, and legal frameworks governing the rice sector.
Analysis of Gaps in Current Interventions
Using the Subsector Intervention Element Matrix (SIEM), the Task Force systematically reviewed existing interventions across the rice value chain. This analysis identified significant gaps, particularly in policy implementation, infrastructure development, capacity building, and technology transfer. The findings underscore the need for targeted investments to address these shortcomings and ensure the success of NRDS2.
Development of Concept Notes
The Task Force elaborated three critical concept notes focusing on:
- Irrigation and mechanization.
- Strengthening the seed sector.
- Improving market access and product quality.
Each concept note was peer-reviewed and refined during the workshop, resulting in draft versions that will guide future project development.
Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
The workshop also focused on the presentation of the monitoring and evaluation framework for NRDS2. Thirteen key indicators have to be selected based on their simplicity, low cost, and flexibility, ensuring that progress can be accurately tracked despite the country’s data collection challenges.
The Road Ahead: A Strategic Timeline
The Task Force has outlined a detailed timeline for finalizing the strategy and concept notes, with critical milestones set for August and September 2024. This timeline includes:
- Finalizing the NRDS2 by August 12.
- Completing the three concept notes by August 16.
- Conducting stakeholder consultations by the end of August.
- Submitting a note to the Council of Ministers in September for political validation.
Conclusion: Towards a Sustainable Rice Sector
The successful completion of the NRDS2 and its associated Concept Notes marks a significant step forward in revitalizing the CAR’s rice sector. With a clear strategy in place and a commitment to addressing identified gaps, the country is poised to enhance its agricultural productivity, reduce its dependence on imports, and improve food security. The Task Force’s diligent work, supported by international partners, sets the stage for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the Central African Republic’s rice industry.
