Vulnerable communities across most of West Africa were hit hard by the 2007/08 food price crisis, which saw international food prices reach their highest levels in 30 years. In response, FAO launched a regional initiative to sustainably increase rice production, entitled “Amélioration de la production de riz en Afrique de l’Ouest – APRAO” (GCP/RAF/453/SPA) from 2010 to 2013, to support the governments of those most affected − Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal.

The initiative focused on the entire rice value chain − tackling policy constraints, improving farmers' technical capacity and access to inputs and equipment, and strengthening their ability to process and market high quality rice.

Making the most of existing resources, the project promoted proven technologies and approaches such as those developed in the 'Integrated Production and Pest Management (IPPM) programme'. The IPPM programme is itself based on a farmer field school (FFS) method, which formed the operational foundation of the APRAO project. Guided by national strategies the project facilitated joint planning and carried out activities to complement the work of partners at district and national level.

Sustainable intensification through IPPM / FFS activities

Project activities in Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal were implemented through national IPPM programme networks. The combined skills and expertise of the national IPPM coordinators and technical assistants allowed for a deeper understanding of the rice sector. Local priority-setting was facilitated through a community-based, participatory approach geared towards the efficient use of resources, which enabled the project to design activities that catered better to beneficiaries' needs, encouraged pooling of resources and promoted more efficient implementation.

Among various outcomes, the project was able to:

• train 6 800 farmers and 500 inspectors/extension workers through  FFS on improved cropping practices to increase production and quality;
• set up a revolving input credit system benefiting 23 000 farmers involved in the FFS;
• raise awareness through more than 40 events and 40 TV/radio programmes on the advantages of using high quality seed and improved agricultural practices; and
• produce reference materials, including seed production training manuals and varietal catalogues, and
• pilot a mobile information system to help seed marketing.

As a result, the project has contributed to the production of 4 000 tonnes of certified seed and 18 000 tonnes of rice.

Partners

FAO worked closely with various partners to carry out the project, including: the ministries of the recipient countries; the national seed services; non-governmental organizations; producers organizations; and other partners.

FAO is grateful for the financial support provided by the Government of the Kingdom of Spain.