By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus
A market intelligence report by the Namibia Agronomic Board has revealed that the country’s growing importation of rice to meet local demand offers a significant opportunity for local producers and traders to supply the domestic market.
The assessment revealed that there is a pressing need to introduce large-scale rice production in Namibia to address the increasing demand, targeting the Zambezi, Kavango, and North Central production zones, which have ample water resources.
The 2025 Market Intelligence Report on rice offers insights on what can be grown in Namibia based on the climatic conditions, soil, and also what domestic and regional markets are available.
The Namibia Agronomic Board researchers indicated that developing local rice production would create market opportunities for Namibian farmers and enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in grain production, thus reducing its dependency on rice imports.
Namibia’s annual rice imports peaked in 2022 at a value of 28,317 tons.
Correspondingly, the import value soared to N$ 314.1 million, reflecting both the increased volume and possibly higher market prices, thus highlighting a remarkable deviation from the preceding years.
“Rice cultivation in Namibia has the potential to become a major source of income and job creation, particularly at the household level and across the country,” the report revealed.
The Board added that increased rice production could significantly benefit Namibian farmers and traders in the developing world, offering them more opportunities to grow their businesses.
Despite the country’s relatively small population, rice consumption remains high, with only minimal local production emerging.
Between 2018 and 2022, Namibia recorded an average annual rice consumption of 26,667 tons.
Moreover, global rice consumption is on the rise, with global demand exceeding 520 million metric tons annually.
This upward trend presents a chance for Namibian producers to expand rice cultivation and tap into regional and international markets.
“Doing so would strengthen Namibia’s agricultural sector, improve food security, and contribute to the global rice supply chain,” the report noted.
The market intelligence report analysed the global rice production trends, consumption patterns, and potential interventions by local stakeholders.
Namibia heavily relies on rice imports, as domestic production remains extremely low to negligible.
Currently, rice cultivation takes place at Kalimbeza in the Zambezi region, at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Ogongo Campus, and also among small-scale farmers in the Omusati region. However, locally grown rice has not yet gained widespread market recognition.
The rice market is not only in the domestic market but is also in the SADC region as highlighted by the rice re-exports.
Zambia appeared as the leading recipient, receiving 7.75 tons of rice valued at US$4.8 million in 2022.
Smaller quantities were also re-exported to Angola, Norway, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Globally, China and India alone contribute around 50% of global rice production and consumption.
Rice is a semi-aquatic plant that requires consistent irrigation throughout its growth cycle.
As a tropical crop, rice can be cultivated during both dry and wet seasons, provided that sufficient water is available.
An annual crop can grow as a perennial in tropical climates, producing multiple harvests through ratooning.
Rice types are broadly categorised by grain length (long, medium, and short) and by processing (white, brown, parboiled), with popular varieties including basmati, jasmine, arborio, black rice, bomba, and wild rice, each with unique flavours and textures.
Rice is a staple food in many countries, composed of water, protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and a small amount of fat.
Globally, rice ranks third in production after sugarcane and maize. It is also a crucial source of nutrition and calories.
Over 50% of the world’s population depends on rice for their daily diet, providing about 20% of the global caloric intake.
In sub-Saharan Africa, rice consumption among urban populations has grown steadily according to NAB analysis.
In addition to its nutritional value, rice is a key source of income and employment in many developing countries, which could greatly benefit Namibian farmers and traders.
Consequently, building a knowledge base on global, continental, and regional rice production, marketing, and Namibia’s role in this sector is crucial.
Madagascar and Tanzania are the top rice producers in the SADC region, with average outputs of 4.6 million tons and 4 million tons, respectively.
They are followed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which produces around 1.6 million tons annually.
Countries like Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia have moderate production levels, ranging between 54,000 and 220,000 tons.
In contrast, Angola, South Africa, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe reported the lowest rice yields.
This highlights that rice cultivation in other SADC member states, including Namibia, is still underdeveloped, leading to a significant dependence on imports to meet domestic demand. erastus@thevillager.com.na
