RICOWAS Project – Senegal
The harvest season has arrived for the producers of the Galoya Farmer Field School – and with it, the first tangible results of a collective effort toward climate-resilient agriculture.
As part of the - Scaling up Climate-Resilient Rice Production in West Africa - RICOWAS Project, funded by the Adaptation Fund and implemented by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory, 25 local farmers were selected to take part in a training and experimentation cycle on a 0.20-hectare plot. This initiative, led nationally by ANCAR, the project’s National Implementing Entity in Senegal, focused on testing and comparing traditional rice-growing practices with the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an innovative agroecological approach.
A Learning Experience with Tangible Results
Supported throughout the season by ANCAR’s technical experts, the farmers applied new methods, gained hands-on knowledge, and evaluated resource-efficient practices. The SRI method not only required fewer inputs but also enhanced the farmers’ autonomy, technical skills, and overall resilience. Agronomic and social outcomes are promising and provide strong justification for scaling up the approach across the country.
This harvest represents the outcome of close collaboration between producers, trainers, and the project partners. It highlights the ability of local communities to adopt resilient, sustainable solutions in response to the growing effects of climate change.
A photo series documents each phase of the production cycle, offering visual insights into the real-world impact of this field school. From training to harvest, the journey reflects the power of local engagement and knowledge sharing.
Congratulations to all the producers for their dedication, and heartfelt thanks to the technical partners whose guidance and expertise were instrumental to the success of this initiative.