Adoption of system of rice intensification (SRI)
SRI Introduction: The spread of SRI in East Africa
This is an introduction to a series of 4 training videos and details how IFAD has promoted the spread of SRI from Madagascar to Rwanda and then Burundi. Malagasy farmers went to Rwanda to share their knowledge and Burundian farmers then visited the same Rwandan farmers to take the knowledge back home. This farmer to farmer teaching and learning has proven to be very effective.
SRI Training 1: Seed germination & nursery preparation
The first in a series of 4 training videos, this is intended as a farmer to farmer knowledge sharing tool to be used in the field.
Mathilde and Isidonie from Burundi demonstrate how to select and germinate best quality seeds and how to prepare and sow a nursery
SRI Training 2: Field preparation & transplanting
The second in a series of 4 training videos, this is intended as a farmer to farmer knowledge sharing tool to be used in the field.
Mathilde and Isidonie from Burundi and farmers from Rwanda talk about the benefits SRI has brought and show how best to prepare the rice field and transplant seedlings. The video features fertilisers, equipment and explains how SRI works.
SRI Training 3: Weeding & water management
The third in a series of 4 training videos, this is intended as a farmer to farmer knowledge sharing tool to be used in the field.
Farmers from Rwanda talk about the need for weeding and irrigation. In this video, Gabriel, Mathilde and Isidonie from Burundi add to Rwandan comments about differences between SRI and their old methods, as well as the savings and advantages involved in good water management.
SRI Training 4: A new stick gives you blisters
The fourth in a series of 4 training videos, which is intended as a farmer to farmer knowledge sharing tool to be used in the field.
It was so important for Gabriel that he should share what he learned of SRI in Rwanda, that he started a Farmer Field School (FFS). This helps farmers to understand the methodology, and decide whether to take up SRI themselves. Many farmers are reluctant to risk new methods. It is a challenge and new ideas don’t always work first time: “A new stick gives you blisters” says Sophie at the FFS. Everyone however, agrees that the blisters are worth bearing.