Rice Importations Dynamics In Cote D’Ivoire (2005-2014)

Rice is the most popular staple food in Cote d’lvoire. More than 50% of the rice consumed is imported. How to explain the country that was self-sufficient in seventies is today exposed at any time to a crisis as far as rice is concerned? Hard evidence, in 2008 facing the leap in prices, Cote d’lvoire took some emergency actions. In 2013 the government of Cote d’lvoire announced 30% of decrease of rice imports. So, to understand all this, it has been necessary to analyze the evolution of rice imports in Cote d’lvoire before and after the implementation of National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS). Dynamics of rice imports is a key element to assure food security in a country. The major objective of this study is to identify the periods of food insecurity in Cote d’lvoire at the same time to become immersed with the leading causes to this periodical food shortage. This study period has been divided in two sub periods:the first one is the period before the implementation of NRDS and the one after the implementation of NRDS.The results depict three different periods of rice importations in Cote d’lvoire. A period of high levels rice importations (January, May, June, November and December), a period with a low importations (February, March, July and August) and an intermediary period (April, September and October). The NRDS implemented in 2008 and revised in 2012 got difficulties with achieving success despite the fact that the annual average growth rate of importations is positive throughout the study period (2005-2014). In fact, the actions were taken for the time being and political crisis the country faced during this time did not help. But today NRDS seems to bear its fruits. The results also show, rice remains the main cereal and also the staple food the most imported in Cote d’lvoire.Potentialities exist to realize the self-sufficient in rice, however to achieve this, it is of paramount importance to improve cropping practices, protect farmers, develop seasonal rice-growing system and increase the role of state promoting production and marketing. If all this is being implemented it is but without a doubt that Cote d’lvoire might return to its original state of self-sufficient rice production.