In Tanzania, where the agricultural sector is primarily composed of smallholder farmers, the challenges posed by climate extremes, land degradation, and limited access to modern farming technologies have become increasingly pressing. These farmers often find themselves at the mercy of erratic rainfall and droughts, which threaten their livelihoods and food security. However, a beacon of hope has emerged with the Norad-funded project, SRI Tanzania, which aims to promote climate-smart agricultural practices through the System of Rice Intensification (SRI).
Currently active in five districts, SRI Tanzania is a collaborative effort between the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) and the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). The project is designed to enhance productivity and resilience among smallholder farmers by integrating environmentally sustainable practices into rice cultivation. Dr. Udaya Sekhar Nagothu, the project coordinator, emphasizes the importance of this integration, stating that it not only boosts rice yields by 30-40% but also significantly reduces seed usage, from 30 kg to just 4 kg per acre. This advancement is critical for farmers struggling with the dual burdens of climate change and economic instability.
The project has set out to achieve three primary objectives: improving sustainable rice productivity, increasing the adoption of SRI practices among farmers—particularly women and youth—and fostering stronger institutional collaboration focused on climate-resilient rice production. To assist farmers in reaching these goals, the initiative has developed a climate-smart rice technology toolbox that provides guidance on nutrient management, soil health, pest control, and the use of climate-resilient rice varieties.
Farmers like MS Athumini Iddy Mkangamo from Kilombero district have already begun to see transformative changes in their lives thanks to the SRI training sessions. During a recent project meeting in Morogoro, she shared her story of increased income, which has allowed her family to invest in education, home improvements, and essential transportation. This personal success story underscores the project’s broader aim of enhancing living standards for farmers across Tanzania.
The SRI methodology itself involves a series of innovative practices designed to maximize yields while minimizing resource use. Techniques such as transplanting younger seedlings, using wider row spacing, and implementing alternate wetting and drying irrigation contribute to healthier crops and improved water efficiency. The introduction of rice mat nurseries further supports this approach, allowing for the easy transplantation of robust seedlings while promoting optimal root development.
A notable aspect of the SRI Tanzania project is its commitment to south-to-south collaboration. By partnering with Indian counterparts who have successfully implemented similar agricultural practices, Tanzanian farmers gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. This exchange not only enriches the project but also highlights the potential for shared solutions to common agricultural challenges.
NIBIO’s CEO, Ivar Horneland Kristensen, has expressed admiration for the project’s progress, highlighting the substantial net gains for farmers and the opportunities that arise from their newfound capabilities. He envisions a transformative impact if the SRI approach were adopted by all two million rice farmers in Tanzania, potentially securing food supplies not just for the nation but for neighboring countries as well.
As the SRI Tanzania project continues to unfold, its implications for food security, economic stability, and climate resilience in Tanzania are profound. By empowering smallholder farmers with sustainable practices and the tools they need to thrive, the initiative is paving the way for a more resilient agricultural future in the region.
