Scaling Gender-Equitable System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Mali

Lead Organization:

West Africa Rice Development Association

Partner Organizations:

Columbia University’s Climate School, International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI); University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB)

Community of Practice:

West Africa

Countries:

Mali

Duration:

11/2024—11/2027

Overview:

This project aims to promote the scaling of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Mali, with a focus on gender-equitable approaches. SRI is a sustainable, agroecological practice that enhances rice productivity, reduces water usage, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and improves resilience to climate change. The project seeks to address challenges in rice production, especially in the context of climate change, by adopting SRI practices. It also aims to evaluate the potential benefits of SRI for food security, nutrition, and malaria reduction. Through a gender-sensitive lens, the project will explore the factors influencing smallholder adoption of SRI and the role of digital platforms like Rice Advice in disseminating information.

Grant Aims:

The project aims to:

  1. Promote the gender-equitable adoption of SRI among smallholder farmers in Mali.
  2. Enhance the resilience of rice systems to climate change through sustainable agricultural practices.
  3. Improve food security, nutrition, and health outcomes (specifically malaria reduction) for smallholder households.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs

  1. Gender-responsive SRI training materials
    Development of training materials tailored to the needs, constraints, and roles of both male and female farmers to ensure inclusive SRI adoption.
  2. Training of extension agents and NGO workers
    Gender-sensitive training for 600 male and female extension agents/NGO workers to effectively communicate SRI techniques through a gender lens.
  3. Direct training of 600 smallholder households
    Hands-on SRI training for smallholder households in Mali, including the use of the Rice Advice app for advisory services.
  4. Support for PhD students
    Support for Malian PhD students to contribute to the local expertise and ownership around SRI research and promotion efforts.
  5. Refinement of digital platforms
    Gender-sensitive adaptation of digital platforms like Rice Advice to ensure the inclusivity of information for diverse farmers.

Outcomes

  1. Inclusive SRI adoption
    Increased adoption of SRI practices across smallholder communities, driven by gender-responsive training and resources.
  2. Improved food security and nutrition
    Enhanced rice yields leading to better food security and improved nutrition outcomes for households.
  3. Reduced malaria prevalence
    Reduced mosquito breeding habitats through AWD water management practices, leading to a decrease in malaria prevalence.
  4. Policy recommendations
    Evidence-based recommendations generated to inform national and regional agricultural policies, leading to broader SRI adoption across Mali and West Africa.