Rice has emerged as one of the major staple foods widely consumed in Ghana today. “Rice
is the fastest growing staple food source in most African countries, providing the bulk of
dietary energy to the growing population” (Danso-Abbeam et al., 2010). Rice is also the
first cereal imported into the country and represents 58% of cereal imports and 5% of all
agricultural imports into the country over the period 2005-2009 (Coalition of African
Rice Development (CARD), 2010). Since the 1960s, rice has become a major and
important staple crop in Ghana (Bozza, 1994). Since the 1960s, a large proportion of
Ghana’s rice was produced in the Northern sector of the country (Akanko et al., 2000).
The implication is that Ghana can draw from the vast potential in the Northern parts
of the country to increase rice production to augment its food supply and thereby achieve
its policy objective of attaining self-sufficiency in food production.
Ghana’s rice consumption in 2011-12 was estimated to reach 62,000 metric tons
(CARD, 2010). Per capita consumption of rice in 2010-2012 was estimated at about
28 kg with urban centers accounting for about 76% of total rice consumption (CARD,
2010). In urban centers, rice is mostly preferred to other staples as it is easy and
convenient to prepare and also allows for a wide variety of dishes to be served.
Additionally, the rising numbers of hotels, fast food restaurants and other food vendors in the major cities have further increased the demand for foreign rice brands since these
firms serve mainly exotic rice brands (CARD, 2010).
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