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Innovation ecosystem for the agri-food sector in Latin America and the Caribbean

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Challenge for Food Security in LAC: Validation of Rice Farming Practices to Improve Efficient Use of Water .

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Agronomic PracticesAgronomic PracticesAdaptativeAdaptativeTechnological-Organizational-InstitutionalTechnological-Organizational-InstitutionalClimate changeClimate changeStrategy 1. Resilient farms Strategy 1. Resilient farms Strategy 2. Sustainables territoriesStrategy 2. Sustainables territories20142014inactiveinactive
CodeFTG/RF-14891-RG
InitiativeCall for Proposals
Total AmountUSD 500,000
FONTAGRO AmountUSD 200,000
Counterpart AmountUSD 300,000
Execution Time36 Months
CodeFTG/RF-14891-RG
InitiativeCall for Proposals
Total AmountUSD 500,000
FONTAGRO AmountUSD 200,000
Counterpart AmountUSD 300,000
Execution Time36 Months
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Summary icon

Executive Summary

Reducing the vulnerability of small rice producers in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama through technological innovation and collaboration platforms was the central objective of this project. Specific actions emphasized food security and adaptation to climate change through efficient practices, related, in particular, to water and soil resources. The system of rice intensification (SRI), specifically the organic version, was used to attempt to minimize agrochemical use and thus protect soil health and beneficial flora. 
Solution icon

The technological solution

In Panama, SRI plots were compared with conventional transplant methods and in Costa Rica and Nicaragua SRI plots were compared with traditional planting systems known as “espeque” or “chuzo”. The SRI plots received organic fertilizers at the time of land leveling. Transplants were performed with seedlings between 8 to 10 days after germination, placing one every 25 centimeters between plants and 25 centimeters between rows. Intermittent irrigation was used for water management in the plots. The socialization and training component included Field Schools (ECA) and participatory workshops with group techniques such as discussion maps, surveys, brainstorming and rapid diagnostics.
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Results

Research conducted on small plots and excess rainfall that, in several cases, made it difficult to measure water use efficiency, means definitive conclusions regarding the SRI system under this project can not be made, however results do show positive trends that clearly indicate the potential for SRI in the region. Producer surveys indicate that 48% depend on external income (wages, subsidies) and that family farming is the main source of food. About 68% of the rice produced is destined to family consumption and close to 70% of producers obtain very low yields. Results include the activation of collaboration platforms in the three countries; the training of 10 technicians in the design and analysis of baselines; a 45.6% and 42.8% increase in yields in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, respectively, and enhanced water use efficiency of 17% and 52% in Panama and Nicaragua, respectively. Results also highlight the good performance of SRI plots in relation to the attack of diseases to foliage, panicles and grains, considering that no chemical products were applied.
Beneficiaries icon

Beneficiaries

A total of 575 producers were trained or informed about the SRI

Sustainable Development Goals

This project actively contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting more equitable, resilient, and sustainable regional development.

Zero HungerResponsible consumption and productionClimate actionPartnerships for the goals
Zero Hunger
Responsible consumption and production
Climate action
Partnerships for the goals

Main Donors

FONTAGRO

Project news

The intensive rice cultivation system (SRI): An intelligent option
The intensive rice cultivation system (SRI): An intelligent option
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Participating Organizations

Executor

  • IDIAP Instituto de Innovación Agropecuaria de Panamá

Co-Executor

  • INTA Instituto Nacional de Innovación y Transferencia en Tecnología Agropecuaria
  • INTA Instituto Nicaragüense de Tecnología Agropecuaria
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Publications and Resources

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Informe Técnico Final

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Poster 2018

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Poster 2017

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Dissemination products

Poster

A better way to grow rice: the intensive SRI method

Fontagro TECH

Is it possible to grow rice with higher productivity, lower environmental impact and lower costs?

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Participating Researchers

José Alberto  Yau Quintero
PanamáProject Leader

José Alberto Yau Quintero

Evelyn Itzel Quirós McIntire
PanamáResearcher

Evelyn Itzel Quirós McIntire

Johnny Aguilar Rodríguez
Costa RicaResearcher

Johnny Aguilar Rodríguez

Juan Carlos Valverde Conejo
Costa RicaResearcher

Juan Carlos Valverde Conejo

Nelson Brizuela Cortez
Costa RicaResearcher

Nelson Brizuela Cortez

Egda Castillo
NicaraguaResearcher

Egda Castillo

José Isaac  Mejía Gutiérrez
PanamáResearcher

José Isaac Mejía Gutiérrez

Ruth Del Cid
PanamáResearcher

Ruth Del Cid

Gloria Gisela  Olave Vasquez
PanamáResearcher

Gloria Gisela Olave Vasquez

José Israel Lopez Rodríguez
NicaraguaResearcher

José Israel Lopez Rodríguez

Maika Lorena  Barría Castro
PanamáResearcher

Maika Lorena Barría Castro

José Alberto  Yau Quintero
PanamáProject Leader

José Alberto Yau Quintero

Evelyn Itzel Quirós McIntire
PanamáResearcher

Evelyn Itzel Quirós McIntire

Johnny Aguilar Rodríguez
Costa RicaResearcher

Johnny Aguilar Rodríguez

Juan Carlos Valverde Conejo
Costa RicaResearcher

Juan Carlos Valverde Conejo

Nelson Brizuela Cortez
Costa RicaResearcher

Nelson Brizuela Cortez

Egda Castillo
NicaraguaResearcher

Egda Castillo

José Isaac  Mejía Gutiérrez
PanamáResearcher

José Isaac Mejía Gutiérrez

Ruth Del Cid
PanamáResearcher

Ruth Del Cid

Gloria Gisela  Olave Vasquez
PanamáResearcher

Gloria Gisela Olave Vasquez

José Israel Lopez Rodríguez
NicaraguaResearcher

José Israel Lopez Rodríguez

Maika Lorena  Barría Castro
PanamáResearcher

Maika Lorena Barría Castro

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