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

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.