How many tons of rice does Africa import from Asia? [originaltext] Researcher

Researchers are developing ways to increase rice production in Africa as part of efforts to fight hunger.(21)Experts say 60 percent of the thirty million tons of rice used in Africa is imported from Asia. They estimate that Africa spends $ 5 billion on rice imports every year. And yet the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says there are still rice shortages on the continent.(22)Rice production was reduced in some countries after the economic crisis of the 1990s. With beginning of the crisis, African countries stopped making investments in rice production and in the marketing of rice. Issues like climate change and extreme temperatures have slowed rice production, especially in areas south of the Saharan desert.
    Plant disease is also a problem. But some African researchers say they have developed rice plants that can grow in areas with little rainfall.