Chad, April 2025
Diving into the Heart of Rice Cultivation in Chad
Interview with Dr. Allarangaye, National Focal Point of the SNDR Task Force and a Long-Time Enthusiast
Across Chad’s vast territory, from golden savannahs to fertile lands flooded by seasonal rains, a discreet treasure shapes both the diet and daily life of communities: rice.
For this issue, we journeyed through fields and villages to meet Dr. Allarangaye, a key figure in rice research and a passionate advocate of this essential crop.
Rice culture in Chad: An Ancient Tradition, A Promising Future
Rice in Chad has a long history. Long before colonial times, local populations were already cultivating Oryza glaberrima, an African rice species well adapted to harsh local conditions. Later, through trade with neighboring Nigeria and under missionary influence, Asian rice (Oryza sativa) was introduced. This marked the beginning of a more organized rice culture under French colonization, especially during World War II to feed troops.
Today, thanks to the Chadian Institute of Agronomic Research for Development (ITRAD), thousands of improved rice varieties have been introduced across different rice-growing ecologies, aiming to boost yields and enhance resistance to pests and diseases.
Meanwhile, rice consumption is booming. In regions like Tandjilé, it is a daily staple. Elsewhere, it is rapidly gaining popularity for its ease of preparation and appeal, especially among young people.
The Role of Rice in Cultural and Festive Traditions
In Chad, rice is a guest of honor at major celebrations. Be it weddings, baptisms, or religious festivals, rice is often preferred over millet or sorghum.
Prepared in countless ways—soft okra-based dough, rice couscous with meat, sweet porridge, or even flavored pancakes and fritters—rice showcases the culinary creativity of Chadians.
It even features in traditional drinks like the popular “cochette” and in local craft beers.
Though appreciated for its lightness, rice is often consumed alongside more substantial foods to ensure a complete and nutritious meal.
A Career Driven by Passion and Determination
From the beginning of his career, Dr. Allarangaye immersed himself in the world of rice, propelled by training in Egypt funded by JICA. Upon his return, equipped with new skills and ambitions, he led a seed production farm in Tandjilé before becoming Chad’s Focal Point for AfricaRice.
For years, he explored lowlands, introduced new varieties, and trained generations of farmers.
Yet his journey has not been without obstacles: outdated infrastructure, insufficient public funding, and the precarious status of researchers.
“Today,” he confides, “national research survives solely thanks to a few projects and seed production.”
A Regional Commitment through the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD)
Chad’s National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) is not a standalone initiative. It is part of a broader regional dynamic driven by CARD, an ambitious initiative aiming to double rice production in the continent.
Within this framework, Dr. Allarangaye plays a crucial role: he is CARD’s focal point, main liaison ensuring coordination between national authorities and regional partners.
“Our collaboration with CARD gives us access to technical resources, training, and experience-sharing among member countries, which is essential to accelerate our progress,” he emphasizes.
Challenges to Overcome and Hopes for Tomorrow
Despite progress, rice farming in Chad remains fragile. A lack of mechanization forces many producers to broadcast seeds, weed by hand, and harvest with sickles.
Climate challenges—sudden floods or prolonged droughts—further complicate matters, and the shortage of rice milling equipment hinders market access.
But things are changing new NERICA varieties, suitable fertilizers, modern processing plants… A small revolution is underway, driven by innovative projects and a government determined to make rice a strategic crop—for both food self-sufficiency and the local economy.
The Future Begins in the Fields
Chad has everything it needs to become a rice powerhouse in Africa: vast fertile lands, abundant sunshine, and rich groundwater reserves.
For Dr. Allarangaye, the goal is clear:“To produce enough to feed all Chadians and reduce dependency on imports.”
The road ahead remains long, but hope remains—vibrant and alive—carried by passionate producers and researchers like him
