System of rice intensification (SRI): A tool for enhancing the productivity of farmers and reducing the ecological footprint in the rice sector
Full Solution
Nigeria, Lafia, Nasarawa, Rice Value Chain
GIZ/Christoph Mohr
SRI provides an agroecological and climate-smart solution by using less seed, water and fertilizer on soil that is rich in organic matter. SRI is grounded in four fundamental principles, which include promoting a rapid and healthy establishment of young plants, reducing competition among rice plants, creating fertile soils abundant in organic matter, and carefully managing water to avoid flooding and water stress, ensuring the optimal development of plants. To implement SRI, the Green Innovation Centers have developed, jointly with their partners, a cascade training strategy to disseminate the approach on a large scale. The experts train lead farmers, who supervise one or several groups of 20 to 30 producers each. Training involves practical comparison tests to demonstrate SRI in parallel to the conventional system. SRI involves six practices, ranging from land preparation and transplanting of seedlings to using organic fertilizer, weeding and harrowing, as well as irrigation management.
Last update: 25 Feb 2025
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Context
Challenges addressed
- The potential resistance among farmers when transitioning from traditional rice cultivation to the SRI approach: This shift necessitates a change in mindset and practices, and may present a significant psychological hurdle that needs to be adressed in the trainings.
- The meticulous management of organic fertilizers: Requires farmers to carefully navigate the quantity and distribution of these fertilizers for optimal results. Precision in transplanting operations during the initial stages of SRI adoption demands attention to detail, adding complexity to the cultivation process.
- The importance of field leveling: Ensuring a uniformly leveled field is considered vital within the SRI methodology, requiring farmers to execute this step with precision for optimal outcomes.
- The accessibility of basic equipment, such as specialized seeders or transplanters tailored for SRI practices, remains a crucial factor influencing the ease and scalability of implementation.
Location
Benin
Mali
Nigeria
Burkina Faso
Ghana
West and Central Africa
Process
Summary of the process
The cascade training strategy and localized mechanization solution are interconnected in their efforts to promote the adoption of SRI technology. The cascade training strategy provides the educational foundation necessary for farmers to understand and implement SRI practices effectively. Meanwhile, the localized mechanization solution ensures farmers have access to the necessary equipment and tools to implement SRI efficiently. By integrating training with access to appropriate technology, these strategies complement each other, resulting in more successful adoption and implementation of SRI practices among small-scale farmers.
Impacts
• Saving of up to 80% in seeds and 30% in water
• Reduction in or no use of chemical fertilizers
• Saving more than 70% in labor for weeding
• Production cycle shortened by 2–3 weeks
• Increase in yield and quality
• Low greenhouse gas emissions
• Plants have greater resistance to diseases, droughts, and flooding
Beneficiaries
Rice producers, lead farmers, rice consumers
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 1 – No poverty
SDG 2 – Zero hunger
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
SDG 13 – Climate action
Story
Ramata Diakite Traore from Sikasso, Mali was one of the female producers who took part in the SRI trainings. She talks about her experiences with SRI.
“With SRI, I have been able to save on seed, chemical fertilizer, and water. In 2022, my plot was completely flooded for 10 days, during the vegetative phase. I thought the plants were not going to survive. But to my great surprise, after the water receded, the plants completed the production cycle. The neighboring plots that had been planted through broadcast seeding were all destroyed. At harvest, despite the flooding, I obtained a good yield.”
