According to the Council on Foreign Relations, projections suggest that Africa's population will double by 2050. By 2100, it is estimated that one in three people on Earth will be African. Given these forecasts, it becomes clear that investing in sub-Saharan Africa's agricultural industry is crucial as a key economic driver.

Unlock Africa's Agricultural Potential for a Brighter Future

Introduction to Ivory Coast Agriculture

Located in West Africa, Ivory Coast covers an area of 322,412 square kilometers. Over 60% of its land is suitable for food production, and there is an abundant supply of labor. It is one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with a projected growth rate of 6.5% for 2024. While it leads the world in cocoa production and is Africa's top producer of cashews and rubber, the country imports a significant portion of its food, including 40% of its rice.The typical Ivorian diet mainly consists of rice and cassava, with chicken and fish as the primary proteins. However, the consumption of milk and legumes is relatively low. The Ivorian government is dedicated to supporting farmers and agriculture enterprises in their pursuit of food self-sufficiency. This country has the potential to become a major supplier for the rapidly growing and urbanizing west African region.Given the projected population growth, Ivory Coast can enhance peace and stability through sustainable food production. Supported by the Ivorian government, Dev-Agri is leading a project to create 600 polyhouses and irrigate 1,320 hectares for vegetable production. While funding for advanced agricultural technologies is available, improving communication among stakeholders is essential for success.

Technical and Logistical Challenges in Ivory Coast

After visiting three partially constructed sites filled with weeds, Iglesias and Boyles identified several challenges and opportunities regarding polyhouse construction and agriculture production in Ivory Coast. "High temperatures can pose risks to worker safety and crop growth if proper ventilation systems are not installed," says Iglesias. "The water systems need to be elevated to ensure adequate pressure reaches all polyhouses. Additionally, implementing crop rotation is crucial to reduce pathogens and improve soil fertility. Proper training must be provided once the polyhouses are operational and growers have gained experience with production challenges."Discussions with the Ivorian Ministry of Agriculture revealed that although leaders and farmers have knowledge in seed production, a lack of operational resources hinders their progress. It became evident that Iglesias could offer technical assistance in early seed selection, production, and the advancement of crop genetics through plant variety selections.In Ivory Coast, the agricultural industry is mainly composed of smallholder farmers and cooperatives. Most farming activities are carried out using human labor, with limited access to equipment. Due to the economic burden on these farmers, which is often beyond their means, Iglesias recommends that grower cooperatives invest in mechanized equipment, such as rototillers, to be shared among rice farmers on a scheduled basis.

A Promising Future for Agriculture in Ivory Coast

If everything falls into place, there is ample opportunity for growth in the agricultural sector not only for Ivory Coast but the entire region. "Ivory Coast has significant potential for food production and could become self-sufficient, even supplying a large amount of food to neighboring countries," says Iglesias. "There is an abundance of idle land, available labor, and a demand for food. What is needed is capital to support technological and logistical advancements."Iglesias and Boyles evaluated this situation through the Dev-Agri project. This initiative shows great promise, driven by good intentions. However, its success depends on careful planning, timely access to resources (such as seeds and fertilizers), effective technical support, and proper marketing and sales logistics."In the long term, our goal is for farmers to be so successful that they no longer rely on government assistance," says Iglesias. "Teaching farmers sound entrepreneurship practices is like teaching them to fish rather than just giving them tilapia."Based on Iglesias's experience, what he observed in Ivory Coast is applicable to several other key countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The opportunity to partner with farmers there could open the door for NC State to become a key partner in developing agriculture and food production across Africa, with a focus on Francophone countries.