IRRI works toward finding solutions for the world’s biggest challenges and contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Rice production is both a victim and a contributor to climate change.
80% of the global rice supply is grown on farms that are less than 2 hectares in size.
Roughly half of the world’s smallholder farmers are women, and women and girls make up 60-80% of the entire labor force in food processing and agri-food systems.
By 2050 the demand for water will increase by 50% globally. Rice farmers will compete with growing demand from manufacturing, electricity, and domestic use for this natural resource. Meanwhile, land degradation, pollution, and urban encroachment is constantly diminishing the amount of land suitable for farming.
Food security goes beyond hunger – it stretches to include regular access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.
