Rice farmers in East Africa are set to benefit from 3.1 million US Dollar grant to a rice sector promotion project to be implemented over three years.
The Competitive African Rice Initiative in East Africa being implemented jointly by the East African Community and Kilimo Trust seeks to improve the rice sub-sector in the region.
The project was approved for funding by Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa in April 2019 and is now at the initial stage of implementation.
The project targets 660,000 farming households 220,000 directly and 440,000 indirectly.
It aims to contribute to inclusive transformation of the rice sector in East Africa for sustainable increase in incomes of women, men and young people employed in the value chain of locally produced rice.
Competitive African Rice Initiative will support EAC Secretariat to address the most critical issues to enable an environment for trade in rice at both national and regional levels.
Key activities will include supporting EAC Partner States governments to develop clear rice development plans, mobilize private sector investments in rice mills as well as public sector investments in irrigated rice schemes.
The Initiative will also support private sector millers to utilize opportunities at all levels through strengthened market linkages to ensure sustainable rice supply.