Top > Foreign Policy > Environment > Johannesburg Summit 2002 The World Summit on Sustainable Development > Type 2 Project > Dissemination of the NERICA rice

Dissemination of the NERICA rice

1. Definition

The dissemination of NERICA (New Rice for Africa) in the African continent, where continuous severe food shortage is a commonly witnessed, can contribute significantly to the improvement of food availability and the alleviation of hunger.

2. Background

Japan has been supporting activities of research and development for NERICA carried out by the WARDA (West Africa Rice Development Association), which is under the CGIAR group, through voluntary contribution. It has also assisted the activities of WARDA through the Japan Fund established at UNDP. The combination of these multilateral cooperation activities and the bilateral assistance, if they are properly intertwined, will further promote research, development and dissemination of NERICA.

3. Details

NERICA is a up-land rice which suits to the climate of the western African region, especially in the Savannah area. NERICA can be cultivated with less fertilizer and chemicals, and without irrigation systems. The following contribution will be implemented

  • Dispatching experts for supporting further research and development of NERICA in the field of the technology to multiply NERICA seeds
  • Setting up hub centers to disseminate NERICA, and supplying NERICA seeds
  • Transferring the expertise gained in successful cases

4. Partner

UNDP(to be confirmed)and others

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