Working Paper 18: A Historical Analysis of Rice Commercialisation in Ethiopia: the Case of the Fogera Plain
This paper presents a historical analysis of rice commercialisation and its impacts on local livelihoods and rural economies in Ethiopia
Abstract
This paper presents a historical analysis of rice commercialisation and its impacts on local livelihoods and rural economies in Ethiopia, drawing insights from the experience of the Fogera Plain, a dynamic farming area in Amhara Region to the west of Lake Tana. This background paper begins with a brief overview of the history of rice introduction into the country, assesses the extent of agro-ecological suitability for the production of the crop, and then examines the current status of rice research and development based on a review of relevant literature and secondary data. This is followed by a presentation of the results from a reconnaissance study on rice commercialisation carried out by the authors and local partners in the Fogera Plain during 2017–18, which considered: (1) the changing dynamics of the farming system, trends in rice production, processing, and marketing practices and support services, and (2) rice commercialisation and the observed livelihood outcomes. The conclusion provides a brief summary of the key trends and findings, along with a list of emerging research questions.
This work is part of the Agricultural Policy Research Policy in Africa (APRA) Programme
Citation
Alemu, D., Tesfaye, A., Assaye, A., Addis D., Tadesse, T., and Thompson, J. (2018) A Historical Analysis of Rice Commericalisation in Ethiopia : The Case of the Fogera Plain. APRA Working Paper 18, Future Agricultures Consortium.