Gabon, November 2024

Gabon Takes Bold Steps Towards Rice Self-Sufficiency with National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS)

Donor round table on 28 November 2024

Gabon has set its sights on transforming its rice sector to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen food security. With annual rice consumption reaching 44 kg per capita and imports amounting to 95,286 tons in 2023—valued at over 41 billion CFA francs, this staple food has become the country’s second-most consumed cereal. Gabon’s ambitious National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) aims to meet 60% of the country’s rice demand with locally produced, high-quality rice by 2033.

Background of the NRDS

Gabon joined the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) in 2019, leveraging its resources to address the challenges of local rice production. Supported by the CARD and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a multidisciplinary task force was formed to develop the NRDS. This strategy was validated in September 2024 and sets out a comprehensive plan to revitalize Gabon’s rice sector through coordinated efforts across the value chain.

In October 2024, Gabon’s CARD focal points participated in a training session in Japan, where they collaborated with representatives from other sub-Saharan African nations to share progress and refine their rice development strategies. An action plan was subsequently developed to advance Gabon’s NRDS implementation, culminating in a donor meeting held on November 28, 2024, in Libreville.

The Donor Meeting: Mobilizing Support for Gabon’s Rice Sector

The donor meeting, organized at Hotel Hibiscus Louis in Libreville, brought together representatives from development partners, government agencies, and the private sector. The event aimed to present Gabon’s NRDS, outline priority projects, and secure financial and technical support. Chaired by Mr. Ngangori Adamas Rolexin, General Director of the Gabonese Agency for Agricultural Development (ADAG), the meeting showcased the following key outputs:

1. Presentations on Key Strategic Elements:

• Overview of the NRDS: Gabon’s vision and goals for achieving rice self-sufficiency.
• Concept Notes for Priority Projects:
  • Rice Sector Governance: Strengthening institutional frameworks.
  • Rice Mechanization: Enhancing productivity through modern equipment.
  • Processing and Marketing: Boosting competitiveness and market access.
  • Agricultural Intensification: Increasing production through advanced farming techniques.

2. Stakeholder Interventions :

• JICA reiterated its long-term commitment to providing technical expertise and capacity-building initiatives.
• The African Development Bank (AfDB) encouraged the formalization of project proposals to align with its funding processes.
• The Brazilian Embassy expressed readiness to share its expertise in rice production and agricultural development.

Key Highlights from the Discussions

• Challenges in the Rice Sector: Heavy reliance on imports and limited local production capacity underscore the need for a robust and well-coordinated strategy.
• Collaborative Vision: Achieving the NRDS targets by 2033 requires partnerships among government agencies, donors, private enterprises, and producers.
• Call to Action: Stakeholders were urged to focus on producing high-quality seeds, developing suitable cultivation areas, and strengthening farmers’ capacities and infrastructure.

 

The Way Forward

Formalizing Proposals:
To secure funding, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries (MINAE) will formalize the NRDS project proposals for submission to the AfDB and other potential donors. This step is crucial for moving forward with resource mobilization and project implementation.

Strengthening Partnerships:
The Brazilian Embassy has committed to supporting technical assistance, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange, leveraging its experience in sub-Saharan Africa.

Expanding Outreach:
In response to the absence of some key donors, MINAE will schedule dedicated meetings to further present the NRDS and explore funding opportunities. These sessions will ensure wider support for the strategy’s implementation.

Conclusion

The successful donor meeting marks a significant milestone in Gabon’s journey towards achieving rice self-sufficiency. With strong support from JICA, the AfDB, and Brazil, Gabon is well-positioned to advance its NRDS and develop a competitive rice sector. The next steps involve formalizing project proposals, securing funding, and maintaining coordinated efforts among all stakeholders. By doing so, Gabon aims to not only reduce its dependency on imports but also strengthen food security and drive sustainable agricultural growth for the future.