1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Israel-Hamas warUkraineChad election
BusinessAfrica

The future of rice farming in Ghana

Maxwell Suuk
January 14, 2022

Rice is a major priority crop in West Africa. Nearly 16 million tons are consumed annually. The region wants to become independent of rice imports, but many farmers lack the right tools to achieve that goal.

https://p.dw.com/p/45GKg

It is harvest time at Ibrahim's rice farm. The Ghanaian has spent the last four days harvesting one acre. The only tool he has is a sickle.

Smallholder farmers make up 70% of 7.3 million farmers in Ghana. Most of them have no access to proper farming equipment. There's more demand than supply for such heavy machinery. Only few can afford tractors and other machines.

Rice consumption is expected to grow to around 24 million by 2025 in West Africa. But 60% of rice consumed are imported. Smallholder farmers are crucial to become independent from imports.
 

Portait photo of Maxwell Suuk
Maxwell Suuk Maxwell is a DW reporter based in Tamale, Northern Ghana.
Skip next section More on Business from Africa

More on Business from Africa

The USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) sails under the Friendship Bridge as it transits the Suez Canal

Can Africa profit from Red Sea crisis?

Shipping companies are diverting cargo around the African continent to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
BusinessFebruary 16, 202402:41 min
Man pulls material out of sand during beach clean-up along Hann Bay in Dakar

Slavery in your pantry

What do coffee, chocolate and tuna have in common? They're produced in Africa — often under exploitative circumstances.
BusinessNovember 30, 202304:01 min
Closeup of an exiled Zimbabwean national holding his passport in his hands

Africa's visa regimes holding back trade, prosperity

Africa launched an ambitious project of a free-trade area in 2021, with all African Union member countries signing on. At the core of this free-trade area is the movement of goods and people. But the continent is still grappling with visa regimes that many analysts say is holding back Africa's economic prosperity.
BusinessNovember 6, 202302:56 min
Show more
Skip next section More on Business from around the world

More on Business from around the world

DW Sendung Made in Germany | Buyvsrent

Housing shortage driving prices – rent or buy?

Apartments are scarce, rents are rising. The question is: should you rent or buy?
BusinessMay 2, 202404:35 min
A European and a Ukrainian flag flying in front of the European Parliament building

Can the EU afford to expand?

Twenty years after adding 10 new members, the EU is pushing to expand again. But many worry the EU can't afford that.
BusinessApril 30, 202419:30 min
DW Sendung Made in Germany | Bitcoinhalving

What is Bitcoin halving?

Artificial scarcity should make Bitcoin more valuable and more environmentally friendly.
BusinessApril 25, 202402:23 min
Show more