In recent years we have seen some worrying statistics about the ability of the world to feed its population. Whilst our need for food has risen, our ability to grow it has been hindered. Global population growth, urbanisation, natural disasters and climate change combined have created a great problem for food production.

The world as a whole requires over 437 million tonnes of rice per year; however in recent years we have seen our ability to produce this amount take a big hit. Our population has grown to 7 billion and is predicted to grow further, reaching 9 billion by 2050. Our current rice production cannot physically cope with this population boom. Coinciding with the population boom is the fact that with so many people now living, there has been an increase in urbanisation; land previously used for agriculture is needed to house our ever growing population. As land continues to be used for other developmental purposes, rather than agriculture, pressure grows on the remaining producers to keep up with demand of the increasing world population. Added to this factor is the fact that climate change has affected the productivity of areas of growth and in some cases (such as the Thailand floods) natural disasters have completely wiped out some agricultural areas. Our capacity to grow rice currently stands at 381 million tonnes a year and as a result a lot of people who rely on rice as a staple are going hungry.

The amount of people in the world relying on rice as a staple is 3.6 billion, and sadly within this 3.6 billion, a vast majority of those not gaining the grain they need are in severe poverty.

Working with Agri Capital, Capital Alternatives have an investment project which is helping to address the rising demand for rice within the world. Working in Sierra Leone, Agri Capital is creating the biggest commercial rice harvest in West Africa.

West Africa is an area which is now being turned to as a solution for the lack of farmable land in the world. In a prime rainforest climate, farming in Sierra Leone is possible 365 days a year, resulting in a harvest of 9000 tonnes of rice a year.

With Capital Alternatives, investors can create huge returns by joining this initiative to address the rice deficit in the world. By purchasing plots at an acre each, investors can buy titled land on which to harvest rice. The great thing about this investment is that there are no external costs. There’s no price for shipping and no costs wasted on export where usually 40% of rice would be imported. Agri Capital harvest, produce, bag and sell the rice within the same day meaning that there is no time or money wasted in warehouses with produce waiting around. This creates a projected return of 15% per harvest, with the last harvest giving returns of 16.2%.

Agri Capital has also been given the seal of approval from the World Food Organisation (WFO). The WFO are also trying to distribute the rice grown evenly, ensuring that not only the rich get the rice. With this investment the project not only creates great profits for the investor, but it is ethically responsible, helping to feed the poor and much more.

Based in Sierra Leone, the project does far more than just addressing the world food crisis. Working with the local community Agri Capital creates jobs in the local market, funds local healthcare and education and actually provides 60 metric tonnes of rice free of charge for the local village. Working closely with the government this project from Capital Alternatives has been commended and recognised by the Sierra Leone government.