RICE BREEDING ACTIVITIES IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA.

A very high consumption growth rate has made rice one of the most important crops in Africa, but Africa's rice production growth rate is too low to match the consumption trend. A strong thrust is needed to boost rice production and productivity in Africa, especially in eastern and southern Africa (ESA), where large suitable land areas and resources with a congenial environment are available. Rice breeding activities in ESA, specifically for rainfed lowlands and irrigated ecosystems that have maximum area, did not receive enough attention in the past and hence lag behind in the development of appropriate high-yielding varieties. A poor rice variety development program for rainfed lowlands and irrigated areas was also marred by poor capacity, poor infrastructure, and a lack of proper policy support. This paper discusses the current issues related to the rice breeding scenario and the initiation of breeding support by CGIAR institutes such as IRRI in ESA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]