AKDN
Development Activities in Madagascar
Spotlight on Rice Production
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On
their test plots, farmers experiment with
up to 30 different techniques and tools proposed
by the APRA-GIR programme to improve rice
cultivation. Five techniques have been particularly
effective:
Levelling soil beds for even distribution
of water; transplanting
earlier and at a lower density; planting in
rows; using small
amounts of nitrogen; and using weeding tools |
In
2005, AKF launched an integrated rural development
project in the Sofia region, with the objective
of increasing rice yields by 100 percent.
In
2006, experimental plots in the Sofia region which
benefited from alternative farming methods proposed
by AKF more than doubled their average yield in
tons per hectare.
The APRA-GIR (L’Apprentissage Participatif
Recherche Action pour la Gestion Intégrée
du Riz) approach (Participative Apprenticeship for
Research and Action in Integrated Rice Management
programme), provides training to groups of farmers
on alternative rice cultivation practices. Such
practices include mapping, planning, using different
seeds, fertilizers and water management amongst
several others.
Building
on their traditional knowledge, the farmers are
encouraged to experiment with this toolkit on a
10 square meter test plot, then share the results
and lessons of these tests with other members of
the group. At their discretion, they subsequently
adopt certain techniques on their own fields. Experimentation
leads to new ideas and appropriate innovations better
adapted to local conditions and abilities -- which
is at the essence of this participative approach.
The
farmers from the APRA-GIR programme have observed
that their neighbors outside the group have started
“borrowing” certain techniques, such
as planting in rows, and implementing them in their
adjacent fields.
In
2006, average yields were more than 100 percent
higher in fields where selected APRA-GIR practices
were adopted than in neighbouring fields without
alternative cultivation techniques.
With
the Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance now set up
in the region of Sofia, farmers can access loans
that will enable them to better implement and sustain
these different tools and practices. The APRA-GIR
programme aims to train the farmers from the pilot
groups so that they may facilitate the training
sessions and share their knowledge and experience
with others.
