Côte d’Ivoire’s agriculture ministry has outlined plans to reduce risks and improve access to finance for farmers, addressing long-standing barriers to growth in a sector that remains central to the country’s economy. In an interview, Agriculture Minister Bruno Nabagné Koné said the government is developing individual insurance systems to protect farmers from unpredictable harvests and climate-related losses, a critical intervention for a sector heavily exposed to weather variability.
A key focus is attracting more funding to agriculture, which currently receives just six per cent of total business financing in the country. To address this, the government is working with banks and investors to improve farmer identification systems and train financial institutions to better understand agricultural business models. By strengthening the link between formal financial systems and agricultural producers, the government aims to expand access to credit and investment capital that can support productivity gains.
Koné highlighted the importance of the National Rice Development Strategy (SNDR 2.0), which seeks to boost domestic rice production and reduce reliance on imports. Support from institutions such as the World Bank and African Development Bank will be critical to implementing the strategy, particularly in expanding irrigation infrastructure—a priority for reducing dependence on rainfall and driving long-term growth. Rice is a staple food across West Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to increase self-sufficiency carry implications for regional food security and trade balances.
The broader reform agenda reflects a recognition that agricultural transformation requires not only improved production techniques but also the financial infrastructure and risk management tools that enable farmers to invest confidently. By addressing insurance gaps and financing constraints, Côte d’Ivoire aims to create conditions for sustained sectoral growth that can support rural employment, stabilise food prices, and contribute to overall economic resilience.
