Steering West Africa
Towards a Sustainable
Rice Future
Steering West Africa
Towards a Sustainable
Rice Future
Steering West Africa
Towards a Sustainable
Rice Future
Welcome to the ERO, where our united vision and action cultivate a future of rice self-sufficiency in West Africa. We champion resilient growth and equity, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural legacy. Together, let's turn the tide towards abundance and empowerment in our communities
The ECOWAS Rice Observatory (ERO) is an alliance aimed at propelling West Africa towards rice self-sufficiency by 2030, aligning various stakeholders around a vision of sustainable agriculture. ERO leverages political, financial, and technical resources to boost a resilient rice industry that uplifts rural economies and ensures equality. Aligned with ECOWAS Commission’s ambitious targets, ERO focuses on market-driven solutions, policy harmonization, and financial accessibility.
Total Annual Rice Demand: West Africa's appetite for rice reaches 23.62 million metric tons every year.
Total Rice Area Harvested: Rice fields span over 10.06 million hectares across West Africa, showcasing the crop's extensive presence.
Total Annual Rice Production: The region's paddy fields yield 14.28 million metric tons of rice annually.
Total Annual Rice Imports: To satisfy regional demand, West Africa imports 9.48 million metric tons of rice each year.
Annual Rice Exports: A modest contributor to the global rice market, West Africa exports 118,734 metric tons annually.
Rice Farmers' Demographics: 5% of the ECOWAS population are the dedicated hands nurturing the rice that feeds nations.
The ECOWAS Rice Observatory (ERO) stands united with a consortium of development partners, each bringing specialized expertise and resources to the table, to actualize rice self-sufficiency in West Africa. Our collaboration is built on the pillars of political will, financial support, and technical acumen, all channelled towards rural development, economic upliftment, and the empowerment of disadvantaged groups.
