African Rice Paddies and Climate Action: New Frontiers in Emission Reduction
Rice is a key staple crop and major source of food security in many African countries. However, practices such as continuous flooding and suboptimal nitrogen management result in rice cultivation having a significant contribution to global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, particularly Methane (CH₄) and Nitrous Oxide (N₂O).
Recognizing this challenge, the African Climate Action Partnership’s (AfCAP) Rice Community of Practice (CoP) has released a working paper titled “African Rice Paddies and Climate Action: New Frontiers in Emission Reduction.”
This paper reviews technological, agronomic, genetic, and policy innovations aimed at reducing GHG emissions from rice cultivation while maintaining or enhancing productivity. Key mitigation practices include water-saving irrigation techniques such as Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) and Mid-Season Drainage (MSD), optimized nitrogen application, biochar amendments, and crop-livestock integration. Additionally, advances in plant breeding, including the development of low-emission rice cultivars and improved root traits, offer complementary strategies to curb emissions. The role of microbiome manipulation is also examined as a frontier area in sustainable GHG reduction.
The paper further analyses the integration of rice mitigation strategies into national climate policies, the challenges of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), and the potential of incentive-based mechanisms such as carbon credits. Drawing from African and Asian case studies, the paper emphasizes the importance of enabling environments, particularly policy alignment, capacity building, and inclusive institutional support, to scale climate-smart practices. The findings underline the need for integrated approaches that combine technological innovation, farmer engagement, and climate policy frameworks to transform rice systems into engines of climate resilience and sustainability.
Download the full paper below to explore the detailed insights and recommendations: