Integrated soil salinity management in rice-based systems of the Senegal River Valley (ISSM4RICE)

The Integrated Soil Salinity Management in Rice-Based Systems of the Senegal River Valley (ISSM4RICE) project aimed to address the pressing issue of soil salinization in Senegal's rice-growing regions, which significantly hampers agricultural productivity and food security. The initiative, led by AfricaRice and MetaMeta, with support from the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP) and the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), focused on raising awareness and building capacity among farmers and extension agents.

The project was structured around three core work packages:

1. Farmer Field Schools (FFS): Practical demonstrations were conducted in four villages (Ndiaye, Thilène, Ngao, and Mboundoum), where farmers tested salt-tolerant rice varieties combined with nutrient management strategies (gypsum, zinc, and potassium). These sessions engaged over 260 farmers and 90 extension agents.
2. Knowledge Co-Creation: A comprehensive knowledge product was developed, including eight French-language manuals covering salinity evaluation, prevention, mitigation, and adaptation strategies. Online dissemination through MetaMeta's Water Channel platform further amplified outreach.
3. Capacity Strengthening: Training sessions combined theory with practical field excursions, equipping farmers and extension agents with tools to diagnose, manage, and adapt to soil salinization.

The project highlighted the importance of combining agronomic measures with improved water management and community-based solutions. It also underscored the need for better infrastructure, governance, and financial support to scale up salinity management practices. The collaboration fostered stronger ties between Dutch and Senegalese partners, paving the way for continued joint efforts to combat salinization and enhance food security in the region.