Integrated Rice and Natural Resources Management in African Wetlands.

In West Africa, the productivity of cereal crops is low and highly variable, while population growth increases food demand. Although rice is currently one of the most consumed cereals in West Africa, yields are still low compared to the potential. Increases in rice production in the region have mainly been achieved through expansion of rice area. Rice and some other crops are cultivated in inland valleys (IVs) which offer a suitable environment for rice farming due to the availability of water during the dry season and relatively fertile soils This has resulted in degradation of natural resources (e.g. soil erosion, soil mining). IVs also host a diversity of wild plant and animal species. All this makes IVs complex ecosystems that provide multiple services. Sustainable development of farming systems in inland valleys requires improved management of land and water for the co-existence of agricultural production and biodiversity. This research will follow four key steps: (i) characterising the IVs farming systems, (ii) assessing resource use efficiencies and farm performances, (iii) co-designing improved crop production and natural resource management strategies, and (iv) exploring the implications of improved farm level crop, soil and water management alternatives to develop a sustainable farming system. Data will be collected through farm surveys, on-farm participatory experimentation, and focus group discussions. This study will improve our understanding of the farming systems in inland valleys and provide guidance to decision makers and extension services to support farmers and other IV stakeholders in sustainable and productive management of these landscapes.