System of Rice Intensification in Kenya: Lessons Learnt for Upscaling SRI in Africa

Presented by:

Prof. Bancy M. Mati

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT)Nairobi, Kenya

Paper presented at the:

Workshop to Enhance Cooperation and Sharing among SRI National Networks in Asia

The Leverage Business Hotel – Skudai, Malaysia

18th to 19th October 2018

Problem Statement – Africa’s Rice Deficit

• Demand for rice is increasing with growing populations, urbanization and changing culinary habits

• Africa rice production is about 26.4 million tons of paddy or 17.3 million tons of milled rice.

• Rice is grown in 38 African countries

• But all the countries in Africa are net importers of rice

• Rice yields are low, less than 3 t/ha (potential can be up to 15 t/ha)

• Traditional agronomic practices also result in low productivity of rice.

• Water management poses major challenges (from scarcity to poor drainage)

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Problem Statement Fully flooded paddies have low paddy productivity

• Rice grown under fully flooded paddies utilizing too much water (3,000 -5,000 litres/kg of grain)

• Rice grown in fully flooded paddies does not achieve optimum productivity

• Fully flooded paddies become habitats for water borne disease vectors

• Water scarcity is a major problem in many parts of Africa, even within irrigation schemes

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Agro-ecological and water management systems for Rice

After rainfall

Source: Breeding Rice for Drought-Prone Environments (IRRI: International Rice Research Institute, 2003)

With bund only rainfall With bund and irrigationNo bund only rainfall

Components of SRI – practised in Kenya

SRI has seven major components (deviating from conventional flooded paddy)

1. Transplant very young seedlings; i.e. at 12 to 14 days old, (instead of the conventional 3-4 weeks)

2. Raising the seedlings in un-flooded nurseries (sic) and well-supplied with organic matter

3. Transplant seedlings at wider spacings and in lines, usually 20x20 cm,

4. Transplanting only one seedling per hill (NOT of clumps of 3-4 seedlings),

5. Alternate wetting and drying of the paddy field (do not continuously flood the soil) to ensure aerating of the root zone,

6. Weed control is preferably done with a simple mechanical rotary weeder (challenge)

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Transforming from conventional paddy nursery to SRI

Conventional flooded nursery

Transplanting SRI young seedlingTransplanting conventional rice seedlings

SRI dry nursery, and 8-day old seedling

SRI requires less seed

Transforming from conventional paddy to SRI Practice

Weeding SRI paddy with rotary weederWomen weeding conventional rice paddy

SRI wetting & drying paddy fieldConventional fully flooded paddy

Common practices to both conventional and SRI

• Land preparation (primary tillage, flooding the paddy field rotavation, levelling)

• Crop protection against pests and diseases

• Flooding the paddy after panicle initiation

• Draining paddy at crop maturity for rice to dry

• Harvesting

• Post harvest processing

Background to SRI efforts in Kenya

• SRI was introduced in Kenya at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Aug 2009

• Initial partners - JKUAT, NIB, AICAD, WB, WBI, MoA, MWI, KARI, Cornell University (of USA), Mwea Irrigation Scheme/MIAD, farmers

• Aug 2009 – Jan 2010, only two pioneer farmers accepted to do trials voluntarily & on-station research trials at MIAD – supported by AICAD

• Within that time, Training & awareness creation using the two farmer trials, Video conferences, special ladies’ training

• Since April 2010, JKUAT Innovation Fund has been supporting a 3-year SRI research & capacity building project in Mwea.

• From June 2011, NIB is supporting a six-month project to upscale SRI in 4 schemes, i.e. Ahero, West Kano, Bunyala & Mwea and SW Kano (2012).

• In 2013, lack of funds saw little activity towards promotion of SRI, but framers continued to adopt learning from each other

• In 2014, NIB provided funding for developing a marketing value chain for SRI

• Also in 2014, AICAD provided funding for SRI research on labor and weeds.

• In 2016, Agri-SRI funded a project on Extension f SRI in Western Kenya.

Research on SRI (1 PhD, 12 MSc & MIAD trials)

1. PhD student is assessing SRI for up-scaling in Mwea irrigation scheme.

- Using AQUACROP model to predict scheme-level grain yields, amounts of water saved, and cost/benefit analysis.

2. MSC assessed adaptability of SRI in Mwea- completed

3. MSC assessed the effects of SRI on mosquito survival rates.

4. MSC has assessed bio-physical characteristics of four schemes; Mwea, Ahero, West Kano and Bunyala for SRI adaptability

5. MSC is assessing impacts of labour SRI

6. Other MIAD research on SRI spacings

Measuring water input in a research plot

Mosquito trap in research plot

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Participatory Research (SRI Farmer trials)

SRI Farmer trials

Innovations by farmers

Extension (Capacity building)• ToT training with field visits• Hands-on training• Training of trainers (ToT) • Special Training for Ladies• Several field days across which are

rotated form block to block• Field days according to crop

agronomy• Invited trainers supported by WBI

trained staff & farmers from India & Japan

• Exchange visits for farmers & staff• Capacity building - at least 3,000

individuals trained on SRI • Some 5,400 farmers had adopted

SRI in Mwea, Ahero, West Kano and Bunyala irrigation schemes by October 2018.

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Field days & open days for SRI training

SRI field day in Mwea-5th August 2010

SRI Open Day- 4th November 2010 SRI field day (transplanting) -21 July 2011

SRI field day in Bunyala – Nov 2012

Awareness creation & Outreach

• Open days with invited guests

• Displays in the Nairobi International Show

• Media outings

• Radio broadcast/adverts in vernacular languages

• Engaging with private sector e.g. rice millers

• Scientific papers & forums

• Presenting SRI at Exhibitions and other forums

• SMS Messaging as a mode of extension

• Marketing of SRI branded rice in the new project

SRI Exhibits at Nairobi Show-2012

SRI Display at African Forum for STI in Nairobi, 2012

Extending SRI to Western Kenya

• SRI project launched in Ahero, Bunyala, West Kano and SW Kano

• SRI Training of Trainers in MIAD for all schemes

• Video conferencing for W. Kenya farmers linking with India, Philipines, Mali (WBI)

• Exchange visits between farmers

• Distribution of rotary weeders

• National SRI Workshop held every year in Kisumu

SRI training in South-West Kano (2012)

SRI Exchange visit to Ahero in 2011

Up-scaling SRI in Ahero, Bunyala , West Kano & SW Kano

SRI Training in Ahero SchemeSRI training in West Kano Scheme

SRI Training in Bunyala Irrigation SchemeVideo Conference

Under SRI, Rice Yields have Increased

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0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Nu

mb

er

of

tille

rs p

er

hill

Weeks after transplanting

Growth pattern for the tillers under SRI and CF

S…

Results show that SRI works!Key findings – based on farmer s’ data from Mwea, Kenya

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Conventional paddy

1. Basmati yields : 4 – 5 t/ha

(Mwea)

2. BW rice yields : 7 - 10 t/ha

3. A bag of paddy weighs 80-90 kg

4. Water to grow 1 kg of rice: 3,000-

5,000 litres

5. Grain easily breaks during milling

6. Flooded paddies suffer lodging

from windy storms

7. Weeding flooded paddies is done

by women

8. Lower return on investment

SRI Rice

1. Basmati yields : 7 – 10 t/ha

2. BW rice yields: 11 - 20 t/ha

3. Bag of paddy weighs 100-110 kg

4. Harder, not easily broken on

milling

5. Uses 25-33% less water

6. SRI has strong stems that resist

damage from windy storms

7. Wedding can be by men or

women

8. Higher returns (30-50% increase

in net income)

Water savings comparing SRI with Conventional flooded paddy in Mwea, Kenya

Rainfall (m3/ha)

Irrigation water

(m3/ha)

Water use

(m3/ha)***

Water

Productivity

(kg/m3)

Savings on

irrigation

water (%)

Variety SRI CF SRI CF SRI CF SRI CF

Basmati 370 613* 2,821** 8,422 11,610 9,035 14,431 0.7 0.4 27.5

BW 196 696* 3,464** 11,573 15,691 12,269 19,155 0.5 0.2 26.2

IR 2793-80-1 613* 2,644** 10,420 15,096 11,033 17,740 1.0 0.5 31.0

*Rainfall water was drained from SRI plots hence lower than that in the CF plots

Source, Omwenga et al, 2014

Mosquito larvae survival comparing SRI Plots with flooded conditionsMOSQUITO DATA FOR SRI CONDITIONS

0

10

20

30

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60

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80

90

100

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

DRYING DAYS

% E

ME

RG

EN

CE

% Emerged from depression

% emerged from observation dish

Source: Kepha Omwenga - MSC progress report

Costs of Inputs have Reduced under SRI

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

Cost

of

inp

uts

(K

Sh

s/h

a)

Cost component

SRI FP

Inputs costs comparing SRI with flooded paddy (FP) practices at Mwea(Source: Ndiiri et al 2014)

Benefits of SRI: Less Inputs, Less Water Utilized

1) SRI uses less seed & farmers saved up to 80% of the cost of seed

2) Use of organic manures saves on costs of fertilizers.

3) Fertilizers are applied to individual plants (not broadcasted) – less amounts used

4) Rotary weeding saves up to 75% on costs compared to manual weeding

5) In Mwea, SRI saved 25-33% of water used in irrigation

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Kenyan SRI project won 1st Prize in Africa

• In December 2012, a documentary video on SRI was filmed in Mwea, Ahero, Bunyala, West Kano & SW Kano.

• SRI documentary film entitled “System of Rice Intensification (SRI): Producing More Rice with Less Water! The Kenyan Experience” won 1st prize at FARA’s “6th African Agricultural Science Week” awarded on 20th July 2013 in Accra, Ghana.

• This film has been used for training and awareness creation on SRI.

SRI work was recognized by SEED Awards (9 Sept 2015)

The JKUAT SRI Stand at

the SEED Awards, at Safari

Park Hotel, Nairobi

Prof. Mati addressed the

SEED Awards on behalf of

past winners (SRI is a past

winner of SEED Awards)

Quality of SRI Rice is Superior

6) SRI rice has a harder grain, thus less breakage during milling,

7) This results in better grain quality making it sell faster at slightly higher price.

8) Millers prefer SRI due to higher recovery of whole grains.

9) SRI rice weight heavier than conventional paddy.

Note: SRI has superior milling qualities in all the categories

SRI Efforts to develop SRI Value ChainRegistration, Vetting, Branding & Marketing

Findings of paddy milling test –SRI rice is Super Grade!!

Properties SRIConve

ntionalSRI Advantage

Head rice (%) 90 81 +9

White rice (Kgs) 631 594 +37

Recovery (%) 63 59 +4

Broken (Kgs) 37 56 -19

Chicken feed (Kgs)

4.4 5.5 -1.1

Bran/dust (Kgs) 79 101 -22

Colour sorter (Kgs)

1.5 1.9 -0.4

Some of the Research Publications on SRI• Ndiiri, J.A., Uphoff, N., Mati, B.M., Home, P.G. and Odongo, B. (2017). Comparison of Yields of Paddy Rice under

System of Rice Intensification in Mwea, Kenya. American Journal of Plant Biology. 2017; 2(2): 49-60. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajpb doi: 10.11648/j.ajpb.20170202.12

• Omwenga, K.G., Mati, B.M., and Home, P.G. 2014. Determination of the Effect of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) on Rice Yields and Water Saving in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya. Journal of Water Resource and Protection. http://www.scirp.org/journal/jwarphttp://dx.doi.org/10.4236/jwarp.2014.610084

• Nyang’au, W.O. Mati, B.M. Kulecho, K., Wanjogu R.K. and Kiplagat, L. 2013. Assessment of the adaptability of management practices to system for rice intensification in Kenya, using v 4.5 CERES Rice Model. In: Proceedings of 2013 Mechanical Engineering Conference on Sustainable research and Innovations African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) –JUJA. 24 -26 April 2013. Volume 5; p 379 -387.

• Ndiiri, J.A. Mati, B.M. Home, P.G., Odongo, B. and Uphoff, N. (2013). Adoption, constraints and economic returns of paddy rice under the system of rice intensification in Mwea, Kenya. Agricultural Water Management, 129 (2013) 44–55.

• Mati, B. M. 2012. Promoting the Adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) through Participatory Research and Outreach in Kenya. Paper Presented at NIB/MIAD and collaborators research workshop, Kenya School of Monetary Studies, Nairobi, 30-31st May 2012.

• Ndiiri, J.A., Mati, B.M., Home, P.G., Odongo, B. and Uphoff, N. 2012. Comparison of water savings of paddy rice under system of rice intensification (SRI) growing rice in Mwea, Kenya. Vol 04 / Issue 6.International Journal of Current Research and Review (IJCRR); 63-73.

• Nyamai, M., Mati, B.M., Home P.G., Odongo, B., Wanjogu, R.andThuranira E.G. 2012. Improving land and water productivity in basin rice cultivation in Kenya through System of Rice Intensification (SRI). Agric Eng Int: CIGR Journal, 2012, 14, 2, 1-9.

• Omwenga, K.G., Mwangangi, J., Home, P.G. and Mati, B.M. 2012. Assessment of the Impact of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) on Mosquito Survival at Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme, Kenya. Environment and Natural Resources Research. (Forthcoming)

• Ndiiri, J.A., Mati, B.M., Home, P.G., Odongo, B. and Uphoff, N. 2012. Benefit-cost analysis of paddy rice under the System of Rice Intensification in Mwea, Kenya.(Forth-coming)”.

• Mati, B. M., Wanjogu, R., Odongo, B., and Home, P.G. 2011. Introduction of the System of Rice Intensification in Kenya: experiences from Mwea Irrigation Scheme. Paddy and Water Environment. Volume 9, Number 1, 145-154.

• Mati, B. M. 2011. System of Rice Intensification (SRI). Growing more rice with less water. Practical Notes for SRI Farmers. JKUAT and NIB, Kenya.

• Nyamai, M., Mati, B.M. and Gidamis, A. 2010. Mfumo wa Kilimo Shadidi cha Mpunga (MKiShaMpunga). Kielelezocha mfumo wa kilimo shadidi cha mpunga kwa wakulima wa mpunga katika Afrika Mashariki. JKUAT & SRI Resource Center, Mwea, Kenya.

Major Challenges Faced

• Farmers’ traditional mindset, skepticism and thus, resistance

• A higher incidence of weeds under SRI

• Availability (lack) of rotary weeders & equipment

• Lack of funding to maintain momentum of projects

• Shortage of SRI trained personnel/ extension workers

• Lack of SRI value chain for the system to be self-propagating.

Developing SRI-Africa Network

• The scientific basis for adoption of SRI has been proven in many countries in Africa,

• The main gap is knowledge flows- upwards to reach policy makers, laterally to reach many farmers and extension workers

• Because… Africa is a continent fragmented by national boundaries, languages, geographic zones and cultural barriers

• Technological divides between scientists and farmers, hence missed opportunities

• There has been no one-stop shop knowledge management platform bringing together SRI fraternity in Africa

• Networks break these barriers and help establish human resource pools, their contacts and specific needs/facilities

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Way Forward

Main Objective: To build a vibrant Africa-wide Community of Practice on SRI, for knowledge sharing, advocacy and action (one African voice for SRI)

More specifically:a) Build SRI-Africa network for peer support and as a

learning and knowledge sharing platform on SRI b) Gather, contribute to, share and utilize knowledge and

best practices on SRI to facilitate informed choicesc) Resource mobilization to support SRI actionsd) Implement programmes/projects & activities that lead to

upscaling of SRI – including meetings, exchange visits, etc.e) Work towards establishing national SRI networks which

can implement projects

Acknowledgements

• Dr. Raphael Wanjogu• Eng. Hosea Wendot• Mr. Laban Kiplagat• Mr. Joel Tanui• Eng. Daniel Barasa• Mr. Richard Githaiga• Mr. Moses Kareithi• Mr. Kennedy Ouma• Dr. Jackline Ndiiri• Prof. Patrick Home• Mr. Wycliffe Nyangau• Edith Obunge• Boaz Ochieng Omondi• Saverio Ireri• Innocent Ariemba• Mercy Kithia• Moses Kareithi• Mathew Kamanu

• NIB General Manager

• MIAD

• Staff & SRI farmers in Mwea, Ahero, Bunyala, West Kano

• JKUAT

• AICAD

• WB

• WBI

• Ministry of Water & Irrigation

• Ministry of Agriculture

• Cornell University (USA)

• Media(KBC, Nation, Standard, People, Citizen)

• Friends and well-wishers

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THANK YOU

www.sri-africa.net