In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the rapid expansion of rice consumption in recent years has led to
increased production. It is assumed that the expansion of rice production in SSA is mainly due to
an increase in production area, while the total amount of unutilized arable land is decreasing. In
this paper, we first analyze the changes in rice production before and after the launch of the
Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) using the compound average growth rate
(CAGR). The results show that, recent rice production in many countries has expanded at a higher
rate and that this growth has been mainly driven by an increase in production area. We also
analyze the factors that brought about productivity improvements based on the example of
Tanzania, which achieved production growth through productivity improvements after
implementing CARD. In Tanzania, a comprehensive strategy for the promotion of rice cultivation
has been developed, and the dissemination of cultivation techniques, expansion of irrigated areas,
and promotion of mechanization under this policy have contributed to improved productivity.
Based on the findings of this study, many countries need to transition from the phase of expanding
production area to that of improving productivity. To achieve this, it will be necessary to address
issues directly related to improving productivity, such as irrigation improvement and the
dissemination of proper cultivation technology