1. SYSTEM OF RICE INTENSIFICATION (SRI), AN OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THE
PRODUCTIVITY AND RESILIENCE OF AFRICAN RICE PRODUCTION
Bagayoko, M1 ; Traoré, G1.; Styger, E2. Jenkins, D2.
1 Institut d’Economie Rurale BP 258 BAMAKO
2 Cornell University USA
The System of Rice Intensification, or SRI, is an agro-ecological
approach that allows farmers to increase yields
while at the same time decrease inputs such as water,
seeds, chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. While
SRI was initially developed with irrigated rice, it has been
adapted to rainfed lowland and upland rice systems, as well
as to other crops. (http://sririce.org)
Liberia SRI Nigeria Plot, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Mali
Although the SRI practices can be adjusted according to
local conditions, the four core principles for SRI, for any of
the rice systems - irrigated or rainfed - remain the same:
1. Favor early, vigorous and healthy plant establishment
2. Minimize competition between plants
3. Create fertile soils that are rich in organic matter
4. Optimize water management by avoiding anaerobic
soil conditions
Field evaluations since 2002
across Africa indicate SRI
yields range between 6-11 t/ha
(average 7.5 t/ha). SRI crop
stands adapt better to climate
variability due to deeper and
roots and improved phenotype.
AVERAGE YIELDS: From country presentations, West Africa SRI Workshop, SONGHAÏ Center, Benin,
February, 2014)
COUNTRY YEAR YIELD
CONVENTIONAL
SYSTEM
In West Africa, a 13-country project financed by
CORAF/WECARD1 under the WAAPP2 Program started
in January 2014 for increasing rice productivity and
competitiveness: Improving and Scaling Up SRI in
West Africa. It is coordinated by CNS-RIZ/IER in Mali
and backstopped by SRI-Rice at Cornell University.
Opportunities for large-scale adoption of SRI include:
•Increasing commitment from high level decision makers
•Existence of motivated and innovative farmers, the SRI champions
•Existence of motivated extension services
•Existence of researchers willing to accompany the dynamic
1.CORAF/WECARD: West and Central Africa Council for Agricultural Research and Development
2.WAAPP: West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program
SRI SYSTEM
MALI 2008-2012 4.5 7.4
GUINEA 2013 8.5 10.6
NIGERIA 2012 3.0 11.0
SENEGAL 2013 5.5 8.0
SIERRA LEONE 2013 1.8 6.7
TOGO
2012 2.7 5.6
2013 2.8 6.6
Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
during SRI Field Day and Launch Ceremony
in Zubah Town, Monrovia, May 9, 2014
Conventional SRI SRI field at harvest (9 t/ha)