Background

The cashew nut was brought to Côte d’Ivoire between 1959 and 1960 by two companies SATMACI (Societé d’Assistance Technique et de Modernisation de l’Agriculture en Côte d’Ivoire) and SODEFOR (Société pour le Développement des plantations Forestières).This was done as part of a reforestation policy.

Importance of cashew nut to the economy:

Cashew nut represents the 2nd source of the country’s income after cocoa.

Côte d’Ivoire is Africa's leading cashew producer (47.82% of African production)

Background

Rice cultivation in Côte d'Ivoire began in 1950.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the production of rice spread throughout the country with dominance in the West, North and Central West.

From 1970-1980, rice cultivation expanded, following the creation of SODERIZ, a State-owned agency established for the promotion of this commodity.

Importance of rice in the economy

Rice represents about 10% of GDP, out of a total of 13% for all food crops.