FINAL10 SENEGAL RICE

Question 0

System of Rice Intensification

Answer 0

High yields?
Lower water use
More reliant on organic inputs

Represents different paradigm of how to grow rice
Intermittent versus continuous flooding
Plant single young seedlings versus per hill versus 2-3 older seedlings
Weeding critical

Question 1

Issues for rice production

Answer 1

Senegal major importer of rice – wants to become self sufficient
Main irrigation systems along Senegal river
Problems of salinity near coast and concerns about overall water use
Limited access to fertilizers and herbicides

Question 2

Conclusion

Answer 2

Did work on-station first to learn about how to approach SRI in this region
Fertility management
Variety/weed interactions
Optimal planting spacing
Water management issues
Then went to work with farmers to see how SRI worked for them versus conventional recommendation and their current practice
Farmers devised a hybrid system as a result
Decided on one weeding only + spot herbicides later
Reduced herbicide use by 40%

Question 3

Central Coast Sustainability issues

Answer 3

Fumigant and pesticide use

Overuse of fertilizers – water quality issues