Welcome

Welcome To SRI – Africa !!

SRI Africa online contains most comprehensive collection of information System of Rice Intensification in Africa. Many of the documents we wish to publish come directly from our partners: Farmers, researchers , NGOs, government agencies and other stakeholders from around Africa.

What Is SRI?

The System of Rice Intensification, Known as SRI -is agro-ecological methodology
for increasing productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients. SRI originated in Madagascar in the 1980s and is based on the cropping principles of significantly reducing plant population, improving soil conditions and irrigation methods for root and plant development, improving plant establishment methods

Basic SRI methods include:

Plant seeds at a distance of 25cm or more in a square pattern

Carefully transplant single seedlings at two-leaf stage(8 -12 days)

Keep soil moist and aerated. Fertilize with compost – add chemical fertilizer only if needed.

 

Benefits Of SRI

The benefits of SRI have been demonstrated over 50 countries (see map below) . They include 20%-100% or more increased yields, up to a 90% reduction in required seed , and upto 50% water savings. SRI principles and practices have been adapted for rain-fed rice as well as other crops (such as wheat, sugarcane and tef, among others), with yield increases and economic benefits.

map of the larger SRI-RICE network