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Short answer: Yes - African rice (scientific name Oryza glaberrima, sometimes called African or “wild” rice) is grown in Nigeria, but it is less common than Asian rice (Oryza sativa). You can find it in some northern states (Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano and nearby areas) and in pockets elsewhere (including the traditional “Ofada” rice blends in the southwest). Getting genuine O. glaberrima takes a little searching - read on for where to look and how to buy it.
What is African rice (Oryza glaberrima)?
African rice is a species of rice that was domesticated in West Africa many centuries ago. It is different from the better-known Asian rice (Oryza sativa). African rice is valued for its hardiness: it resists some local pests, tolerates difficult soils and sometimes copes better with local stresses than Asian varieties. The grain is often shorter, can be red/brown in colour, and has a fuller, nutty taste that many people like.
Is it farmed in Nigeria today?
Yes, but it is now a smaller part of Nigeria’s rice production:
Agricultural surveys and studies show that Oryza glaberrima still grows in Nigeria, especially in some northern floodplain and upland pockets (for example along the Rima Valley and areas around Zuru), and in certain traditional rice-growing communities. These local populations have kept the crop alive.
Many farmers switched to higher-yielding O. sativa varieties over the past decades. That made Oryza glaberrima rarer, but it did not disappear - it remains in small-scale farming, research stations, and as part of local blends like Ofada.
Where in Nigeria is it most likely to be found?
> Kebbi and Sokoto (northwest) - historically and in surveys these areas appear as places where African rice persists, especially in floodplain rice systems.
> Kano and parts of the north - pockets of traditional/local rice varieties are reported in these states.
> Southwest (Ofada / Ogun area) - “Ofada rice” is a local product name often linked to rice grown around Ofada in Ogun State; Ofada rice sold in markets is sometimes a blend that includes O. glaberrima or local landraces that give the rice its distinct flavour. However, not every Ofada-branded bag is pure O. glaberrima - many are blends with O. sativa.
Research and gene banks - national research stations and gene banks in Nigeria (and AfricaRice collections) keep accessions of Oryza glaberrima for breeding and conservation. If you want seed, these institutions are a reliable place to ask.
How to tell genuine African rice from other rice
1. Many Oryza glaberrima varieties are short to medium grain and range from red/brown to light brown. But colour alone is not foolproof because processing and blends change appearance.
2. You can identify genuine Oryza glaberrima by its taste & texture. African rice usually has a fuller, slightly nutty or “meaty” flavour and different chew compared with polished long-grain Asian rice.
3. Ask the seller. The fastest way is to ask local millers, ofada rice sellers, or cooperative members where the rice was grown and whether it’s pure local rice or a blend. Trusted local sellers often know the source.
Where and how to buy African rice in Nigeria
1. Go to Local markets (best first step)
Visit markets in Lagos (there are many sellers of Ofada/local rice), Kano, and state capitals in Kebbi and Ogun. Ask for “local rice,” “Ofada rice,” or Oryza glaberrima specifically. Many Lagos sellers import or source Ofada-style rice from Ogun and other areas.
2. Or Contact farmers and cooperatives
In Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano and the Ofada-producing communities, farmer cooperatives and local extension officers can point you to producers. State agricultural extension offices can also help.
3. Some research institutes & seed banks usually do have agricultural produces such as Oryza glaberrima available. If you want seeds (to plant) or verified varieties, ask Nigeria’s national cereal research institutes or AfricaRice. They keep genuine accessions and can advise on availability or seed multiplication programmes.
4. Online sellers & specialty shops
You can sometimes buy African rice (Ofada / local rice / packaged O. glaberrima) from online marketplaces and specialty African food shops (local and international sellers). Be careful: some packaged products labelled “African rice” may be blends or marketed for export - read descriptions and ask the seller. Examples of packaged listings exist on global marketplaces (Etsy, Walmart listings, specialty retailers).
5. Ask in foodie and farming groups
WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups for Nigerian food or local farmers often share direct leads to small producers. These groups can be fast for locating small-batch sellers.
5 Practical tips for buying safely
1. Ask for origin. Always ask which state or town the rice came from. Kebbi, Sokoto, Ogun (Ofada), and Kano are good keywords to watch for.
2. Buy a small amount first. You start by testing a small bag to check taste and cooking behaviour before buying bulk.
3. One other way is to check milling & processing. Ofada rice often comes unmilled or semi-milled and needs special cooking; this is normal for local varieties.
4. Beware of blends, because most sellers sometimes mix O. sativa for volume. If you want pure O. glaberrima, ask directly and, if possible, buy from a farmer or trusted cooperative.
Why buy African rice? (short benefits)
I will say mainly for its unique local flavour many Nigerians prefer for traditional dishes. Also in other reasons, for its enetic diversity and resilience - it is important for biodiversity and local farming systems. Researchers maintain collections because of these useful traits.
FAQs
Q: Someone told me it’s in Kebbi and Kano - is that true?
A: Yes. Surveys and field reports show O. glaberrima persists in parts of Kebbi, Kano and nearby northern states, though in smaller quantities than modern Asian rice varieties.
Q: Is Ofada the same as African rice?
A: Not always. “Ofada rice” is a local product name from southwestern Nigeria and often includes local landraces - sometimes O. glaberrima is part of Ofada blends, but not every Ofada bag is pure African rice. Ask the seller.
Q: I want seeds to plant - where do I get them?
A: Contact national research stations (NCRI), AfricaRice, or seed programmes. They maintain germplasm and may provide seed for research or multiplication.
Final advice - short checklist before you buy
1. Ask the seller where the rice was grown (state/town).
2. Buy a small pack first and cook it to check flavour and texture.
3. If you want seeds, contact research centres or gene banks.