Applying an innovation-system approach in rice value-chain analysis and development for competitive markets in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has put in place policies to reduce rice imports and increase domestic production. To be successful, this policy must be accompanied by investments in the local rice sector, including through research and innovation. Main objectives of the current research are to increase the productivity and competitiveness of the rice value chain in Nigeria through implementation of an innovation systems model. AfricaRice and its national partners have started implementing the rice value chain development component in the Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Scheme (MRVIS) in Goronyo, Sokoto State of Nigeria, since 2018. Key components include creating linkages between rice value-chain actors; understanding strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the rice economy in MRVIS; identification of 1-2 high-yielding, processor- and consumer-preferred rice varieties; and installation of a rice-processing facility for the Goronyo Rice Innovation Platform (GRIP) that will help develop quality products and services for the market. Expected outcomes include increased productivity and quality of paddy rice in the target area and training of youth groups to become part of the innovation platform by providing services around the use of innovative technologies. Furthermore, rice husks will be used as fuel for household cooking.