Exploring opportunities for diversification of smallholders' rice-based farming systems in the Senegal River Valley

Antoine Brosseau,Kazuki Saito,Pepijn A.J Van Oort,Mandiaye Diagne,Diego Valbuena,Jeroen C.J Groot

doi:10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103211

Antoine Brosseau, Kazuki Saito + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103211

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Abstract

CONTEXTPolicy-based or technological interventions are more likely to be effective if aligned with farmers' objectives, constraints, and decision-making processes. OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to explore trade-offs and synergies of farming systems in response to innovative rice cultivation activities by understanding current farming systems, main drivers impacting farm management and farmers' perspectives on rice intensification. Understanding these interrelations is key in rice production areas, where smallholder farmers largely depend on growing rice to subsist. METHODSA rapid system analysis was conducted interviewing 20 farmers in 4 villages along the Senegal River Valley (SRV) to obtain a general view on farm functioning and farmers' perspectives on farming systems. A detailed system analysis with four farmers was subsequently conducted to provide an insight into the underlying processes regulating farm management. A multi-objective optimization model was used to quantitatively evaluate and explore farm performances based on four selected indicators representing: rice production, household agricultural profit, household labour and farm nutrient balance. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe results of this study showed that government programmes and farmers' Unions were strongly influencing farmers' decision-making in agricultural production. Farmers also reported that although rice was still essential for their livelihoods, there were transitions towards less rice production in the wet season with short duration rice varieties and more vegetable production. Both farmers' interviews and the modelling results suggested that farmers would be unlikely to increase or even maintain the area of rice double cropping, which has been strongly promoted by the Senegalese government. Instead, farmers would rather keep investing in vegetable production. SIGNIFICANCEThis modelling study shows the consequences of policy-based and technological interventions for farming systems and may inform both policy makers and farmers in situations where objectives are strongly divergent. Hence, modelling outcomes may be used to inspire discussion and innovation in order to align the government priority of ensuring national food security and farmers' objectives and constraints in the SRV.

Highlights

Agricultural interventions, whether policies or technological in novations, can become more effective and sustainable if aligned with farmers' objectives, constraints and decision-making processes (Ajayi et al, 2007; Meijer et al, 2014)
Farmers reported that rice was still essential for their livelihoods, there were transitions towards less rice production in the wet season with short duration rice varieties and more vegetable production. Both farmers' interviews and the modelling results suggested that farmers would be unlikely to increase or even maintain the area of rice double cropping, which has been strongly promoted by the Senegalese government
Beyond rice production Both farmers' interviews and the modelling results suggested that under the current conditions farmers would be unlikely to increase or even maintain the area of rice double cropping, which has been strongly promoted by the Senegalese government (MAER, 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Agricultural interventions, whether policies or technological in novations, can become more effective and sustainable if aligned with farmers' objectives, constraints and decision-making processes (Ajayi et al, 2007; Meijer et al, 2014). The delay in rice sowing dates has been identified as the major cause of the yield gap, increasing the risk of spikelet sterility caused by low temperatures at the end of the growing season (Tanaka et al, 2015) This delay has been attributed to late credit allocation, limited availability of machinery, suboptimal decisions on timing of irrigation (Krupnik et al, 2012b; Poussin et al, 2006; Poussin et al, 2005; Tanaka et al, 2015), inappropriate fertilizer applications and bird damage (Tanaka et al, 2015). The opportunities to diversify farm production and in crease crop profitability are important criteria that guide farmers' de cisions (Ellis, 2000; van Oort et al, 2016)

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