In this opinion editorial for IRRI’s 65th Anniversary, IRRI Regional Director for Africa Dr. Abdelbagi Ismail and IRRI Country Representative for Uganda and Gender and Livelihoods Research Leader Dr. Jummai Yila explain that sub-Saharan Africa is capable of being rice self-sufficient, but it necessitates continued partnerships with both public and private sectors, a bold and targeted policy reform, and investment
On the second day of CGIAR Science Week 2025, IRRI continues to highlight its leadership in harnessing and scaling science and innovation through rice research worldwide. In the science talk, “Transformative Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture: Scaling Innovation, Strengthening Seed Systems, and Strengthening Climate Resilience,” Dr. Ajay Panchbhai, IRRI’s Regional Breeding Lead – East and South Africa, emphasized the power
by Danica Louise C. Sembrano IRRI researchers link food availability and access as key factors influencing diet, nutrition, and health in rural food environments of low- and middle-income countries. This calls for interventions focused on reducing unhealthy food options and making nutritious foods more available and accessible. Behind every meal is a food environment—homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods —spaces where various
by Kazuki Saito and Iris Bugayong Rice is not just a crop—it is the backbone of economies, cultures, and food security across Asia. In Japan, a recent rice shortage has brought this reality into sharp focus. Prices have spiked, supermarket shelves are being emptied, and public concern is rising. The causes—climate-induced weather disruptions, a surge in tourism-driven demand, and speculative
by Muhammad Ashraful Habib*, Swati Nayak*, Nuruzzaman*, and Saidul Islam* Lying in the southeastern part of Bangladesh, the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) are the country’s only extensive hilly region that belongs to a low-productive agriculture zone. Most rural households in this region depend on agriculture-related activities for their livelihoods, yet some inhabitants have never, or only rarely, received information on
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (12 March 2025) – A highlight of the AGRITECHNICA ASIA 2025, a seminar on Viet Green, High Quality, and Low Emission Rice Value Chain was organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with the Department of International Cooperation (ICD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), the Vietnam Rice Industry Association (VIETRISA),
A study by UPLB, IRRI, and DA-BAR explored alternative dissemination actors to expand the reach of Rice Crop Manager, a web-based application that guides farmers with crop management practices best suited for their rice fields. The project’s key findings were recently featured in a seminar hosted by IRRI’s Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS) Department. The Rice Crop Manager’s
Can Tho City, Vietnam (March 10, 2025) – A closing conference for the “Green Innovation Centers” (GIC) project was held in Can Tho City, celebrating the successful collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). In Vietnam, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in close partnership with GIC and provincial Departments