Côte d’Ivoire-Thailand-AfricaRice: Making South-South Cooperation a Model of Impact

Picture 1: TICA delegation at AfricaRice Multiple Harvest Rice experimentation plot. (Credit: A.Diomandé/AfricaRice)

Mbé, Bouaké, February 26, 2026, A high-level Thai delegation led by Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), visited the Mbé research station of the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) to strengthen collaboration on the implementation of transformative rice value chain projects in Côte d’Ivoire. This strategic partnership, supported by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, aims to deliver tangible results toward achieving national rice self-sufficiency. The visit — the second following an initial mission in August 2025 — comes after the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AfricaRice and Kasetsart University and another MoU between AfricaRice and Thai Agritech Consortiom reaffirming a strong joint commitment to advancing this cooperation.

"Thailand is proud to deepen its partnership with AfricaRice and Côte d’Ivoire to support sustainable transformation of the rice value chain. By sharing expertise, innovation, and experience, we aim to contribute meaningfully to strengthening local capacity and accelerating the country’s journey toward rice self-sufficiency." Stated Mr. Chulvat Narinthrangura, Director General of TICA.

The Thailand–Côte d’Ivoire–AfricaRice partnership will focus on establishing a Demonstration and Learning Center on Sustainable Rice and Integrated Farming at the M’Bé research station, aimed at transforming it into a regional hub for innovation, learning, and technology transfer across Africa. The initiative will promote the adaptation of Thai rice technologies through integrated farming systems combining rice, crops, aquaculture, and soil and water management aligned with the Smart-Valleys approach and the Thai Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP). Key activities include showcasing improved rice varieties, introducing small-scale mechanization, strengthening post-harvest practices, and deploying digital tools such as field sensors, remote sensing, and decision-support platforms. Through joint research, field trainings, and Farmer Field Schools, the partnership will actively engage researchers, extension agents, private-sector actors, and local communities to co-develop sustainable land management solutions and accelerate resilient rice-based production systems.

"This collaboration reflects the power of south-south partnerships in driving agricultural innovation and impact. Together with TICA and our partners, AfricaRice is committed to delivering science-based solutions that enhance productivity, strengthen value chains, and support Côte d’Ivoire’s ambition for rice self-reliance." explained Dr. Prem Bindraban, Deputy Director General and Director of Research and Innovation at AfricaRice.

Picture 2: Group picture of TICA and AfricaRice delegations together with rice farmers association. (Credit: A.Diomandé/AfricaRice)

The Thai delegation’s visit concluded with an engaging exchange with rice farmers from six villages (Tabako, Yebouekro, Akpokro, Abokro, Tchimou-Assekro and Djekro) neighboring AfricaRice’s Mbé research station and future direct beneficiaries of the Côte d’Ivoire-Thailand-AfricaRice collaboration. During the discussion, farmers highlighted their priority needs, including access to improved rice varieties and quality seeds, better development of rice-growing areas, and enhanced mechanization to boost productivity and livelihoods.