Producing more, producing better, and adapting to climate challenges: this is the goal pursued by AfricaRice in Madagascar, where the organization is multiplying actions to modernize the rice sector.
Present in Madagascar since 2015, AfricaRice works in partnership with Fofifa to develop solutions tailored to the needs of rice farmers. Between 2014 and 2024, twenty new rice varieties were approved, while over 300 others were tested to identify the most productive and climate-resilient ones. The organization has also intervened in 340 sites and established 25 innovation platforms to bring research closer to the field.
Beyond research, AfricaRice focuses on technology transfer. More than 300 demonstration plots have been set up, and over 3,000 producers are currently using the proposed innovations. More than 1,500 farmers, as well as 1,120 technicians and trainers, have benefited from training aimed at improving cultivation practices.
Mechanization is another key lever. Seeders, fertilizers, motorized weeders, and modern parboiling equipment are among the tools developed to reduce labor intensity and improve yields. AfricaRice is also involved in post-harvest management to limit losses and improve the quality of rice on the market.
The organization also places great importance on rural women. Modern parboiling units have been installed, and over a hundred women have been trained to strengthen their technical and entrepreneurial skills. By relying on research, the dissemination of innovations, and capacity building for producers, AfricaRice intends to contribute to a more competitive rice sector capable of meeting the country’s food needs while improving the incomes of agricultural households.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-08 05:53:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/agriculture-africarice-donne-un-coup-de.html
