New Rice for Africa (NERICA) technology refers to the successful crossing by researchers from the Africa Rice Center of the two species of cultivated rice to produce plants (known as interspecifics) that combine the best traits of both parents: high yields from the Asian parent and the ability to thrive in harsh environments from the African parent—a feat not successfully achieved before in the history of rice breeding. Through the crossing of the two rice species, the NERICA technology gives researchers access to new genetic combinations. The NERICA name was trademarked in 2004.

Upland NERICA varieties: Product of the NERICA technology, adapted to the harsh growing environment and low-input conditions of upland (rainfed) rice ecologies in SSA, where smallholder farmers lack the means to irrigate and apply chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The upland NERICA responds even better to higher inputs. Dr Monty Jones, former WARDA researcher, was selected as the co-laureate of the 2004 World Food Prize for developing the upland NERICA varieties. Upland NERICAs are planted on more than 100,000 ha across Africa, including about 60,000 ha in Guinea and more than 10,000 ha in Uganda.

Lowland NERICA varieties: Another scientific breakthrough based on the NERICA technology. The lowland NERICA varieties with yield potential of 6-7 t per ha and good resistance to major lowland stresses have been developed for the African lowlands, one of the most complex rice ecologies in the world. Given the high potential of the lowlands in Africa, the lowland NERICA is expected to make an even bigger impact than the upland NERICA. Four lowland NERICA varieties have been released in Burkina Faso and two in Mali.

High-yielding varieties for the Sahel: More than 70% of the rice-growing area in the Senegal River Valley and Mauritania covered by the high-yielding varieties Sahel 108, 201, and 202. These lines have also been released in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana and Nigeria.

About 200 improved rice varieties released over the past 25 years in West Africa thanks to the catalytic effect of the International Network for the Genetic Evaluation of Rice (INGER-Africa), based at the Center. Producer surplus gain from improved varieties: about US$360 million in 1998 alone.

Integrated crop management (ICM) strategy: A suite of improved technologies and decision-making tools for irrigated rice farmers. Adoption of the ICM strategy enhances the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of irrigated rice farming and results in substantial increase in yields (by 60%) and profits (by 85%). 

ASI thresher: The most widely used rice thresher in Senegal; increasingly popular in the sub-region. In 2003 the Center received the Senegalese President’s Award for Science and Technology for ASI development and dissemination.

Rice policy solutions that cut hunger in SSA: Comprehensive policy strategy developed to revive the rice sector in Nigeria.

Regional database: The West Africa Inland Valley Information System (WAIVIS) developed by the Inland Valley Consortium (IVC), convened by the Center.

ROCARIZ rice network: Unique network model enhancing national capacity in rice R&D—based at the Center. 

Hub for capacity building in rice R&D in SSA: More than 100 University students, including about 80 doctoral students trained over the last 10 years.