The system of rice intensification as a sustainable agricultural innovation: introducing, adapting and scaling up a system of rice intensification practices in the Timbuktu region of Mali

A three-year pilot project demonstrated that the system of rice intensification (SRI), originally developed in Madagascar, can be successfully adapted and scaled up in the Timbuktu region of Mali. SRI significantly boosts rice yields while reducing the need for seeds, water, and chemical inputs through practices like single young transplants at wide spacing, compost application, mechanical weed control, and intermittent irrigation. The number of participating farmers grew from 1 to 450 over three years, with volunteers achieving superior yields and income compared to traditional methods. This shift in agricultural perception has spurred further innovation among farmers and technicians, highlighting SRI's potential as a sustainable rice-cropping system in arid regions.

Styger, E., Aboubacrine, G., Attaher, M. A., & Uphoff, N. (2011). The system of rice intensification as a sustainable agricultural innovation: introducing, adapting and scaling up a system of rice intensification practices in the Timbuktu region of Mali. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 9(1), 67–75. https://doi.org/10.3763/ijas.2010.0549