New
Opportunities for Rice Research in Mali
Due to the continuing political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire,
leading rice researchers at WARDA—The Africa Rice
Center (ARC) are exploring new avenues for research cooperation
in Mali, one of the most important rice-growing countries
in Africa.
ARC has temporarily relocated its scientists to Bamako,
Mali, to continue the Center’s research activities
that have been affected by the unrest.
“This is the beginning of a new phase of collaboration
in rice research,” said Seydou Traore, Minister for
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Government
of Mali, welcoming the increased collaboration. “Rice
responds well to the twin challenges of achieving food
security and creating economic wealth and can help us
to enter the world market.”
“By strengthening our presence in Mali, our scientists
have a great opportunity to explore new rice ecologies
and cropping systems as well as new niches for our products,”
said Kanayo F. Nwanze, Director General, ARC. Mali is
a member of the Association.
ARC staff have been working under difficult and trying
conditions. The main research station in Bouaké
has only essential staff, while ARC management are continuing
to operate from temporary headquarters in Abidjan.
Fortunately, ARC’s genebank in Bouaké is intact
and remains operational. To safeguard the precious collections,
a duplicate set of over 6000 seed samples of rice varieties,
representing over 80 percent of the total genebank collection
has been recovered from the genebank for safe storage
outside the campus.
To mark the new partnership, ARC’s Board of Trustees
meeting was held in Bamako during February 24–28.
“CGIAR is extremely proud of ARC’s contributions
and several donors recognize the fantastic work done by
ARC,” said Francisco Reifschneider, CGIAR Director,
while attending the meeting and conveying strong support.
Subsequently, a high-level delegation consisting of Lindsay
Innes, Chairman of ARC Board of Trustees, Kanayo Nwanze
and Francisco Reifschneider met with the Prime Minister
of Mali and key Malian authorities. The Board, Director
General, management and staff are working closely to maintain
the Center’s viability and credibility while emphasizing
staff security, motivation, and stability.
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