Rice Farmer’ Research Group Transforms into a Farmer Organization
At the onset of the project, selected rice farmers from Doho rice irrigation scheme were actively involved in the project research work that aimed to increase food, nutrition and income security of smallholder lowland rice farmers through testing and recommending best micro-macro nutrient fertilizer strategies for optimum yields and nutritional quality.
Scientists at the Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII) successfully set up rice experimental plots with the involvement of Farmer’ Research Groups (FRGs) that actively participated in a series of the project research activities including planning, implementation, trial monitoring and evaluation of the experiments results. These were trained for their efficient involvement in evaluating the experiments, and selecting the best fertilizer combinations and management practices for the best rice yields, and also integrate these into their current management practices.
The FRGs were selected through a transparent farmer led process during a meeting in which they nominated the representatives to host the experiments on their blocks. The conditions were that selected reps were not a member of the Board of Governors of the scheme and must be willing to share knowledge acquired to fellow members on their blocks. The Doho Farmer Research Group (DFRG) that comprised 13 members including 3 technical people was then established and the members thoroughly trained by the project technical team, and engaged in the planning of all field experiments. They were trained on and participated in fertilizer application and got to understand what each of the nutrients contributed to the plant growth; participated in harvesting the experimental plots and also taught on how to minimize post-harvest losses and advised to use tarpaulins as they thresh their harvest. They were also involved in monitoring and evaluation of the field experiments throughout the growing period, collected data on the different plots to understand the crop performance and also scored the different modes of application based on the ease of application.
Mr. Higenyi Azalea (gesturing) trains visiting farmers to his trial plot on the best rice management practices for increased yield.
The project successfully introduced climate smart technologies in rice production for increased yields and the farmers have since appreciated and adopted the innovations demonstrated to them and applied the skills and knowledge from the trainings and participation in the research work. They have realized the benefits and are reaping big from the experience obtained. They have also gone as far as extending the knowledge and skills to fellow farmers not directly involved in the project, and these have appreciated the technologies and are excited to apply them to also sustain productivity of other crops as well, like Maize.
To attest to this, Mrs. Janat Hamayo says “I have gained exposure as a model farmer to others. Whenever the farmers visited my block, they were amazed by what they saw and admired my rice fields because I properly managed them and applied all the best practices extended to me under the project to obtain good yield. I have even gained more courage to fearlessly speak in public because I am often approached by large crowds of farmers, about 30, seeking information on how I achieved my results. I then take them through the process on what to do, so as to be like me. (she smiles)”.
Mr. Kabaasa Dan, another host farmer says. “We appreciate AfrII and partners for including us in this research. We have been trained on the best technologies including line planting, timely transplanting, weeding and application of fertilizer and micro nutrients to the fields to improve yield productivity. I used to plant my rice the rudimentary way of broadcasting it and the variety I always planted was low yielding. But now, with this new knowledge, am greatly benefitting”.
Now, from the experience, knowledge and skills gained through their involvement in the research, the farmers have vowed to transform and register their FRG as a Community Based Organization (CBO) named Doho Farmer Research Organization (DoFAR). DoFAR will continuously conduct simple experiments based on the knowledge already obtained and engage experts in different stages of the rice value chain to for new innovations, and share the knowledge obtained through field schools targeting large number of farmers. It will also provide services to the rice growing communities including genuine inputs. One of the farmers, Mr. Hapeli Dauson vowed to start up an agro in puts dealership in quality fertilizer in order to extend the quality services to the farmers.
The Doho Scheme Technical Manager, Mr. Sagula Wilberforce was assigned to drive the plans further. “We believe that as an organization, we shall move together. We shall also have the capacity to reach out to bigger numbers of rice farmers beyond the project. We want more people to be aware of all that has been going on and also benefit like we have, from all this knowledge. We commit that by end of July this year-2019, we shall have constituted a fully-fledged leadership to steer our plans further as a standing CBO.”
Mr. Sagula Wilberforce relays to fellow farmers the importance of growing the FRG into an organization.
The farmers appealed to the project partners to continuously engage with and link them to more opportunities in innovations to thrive rice productivity in the region and beyond. The farmers say that they are proud to be associated with the ‘researchers’ terminology within the communities since they are now ambassadors of the research work and commit to further the work beyond the project.
AfrII successfully closes the rice ENRICH project
Project partners and Farmer Research Group (FRG) members during the field trip to on farm trial plots established by the FRGs at Doho rice irrigation scheme.
AfrII’s Enhancing Rice Markets in Uganda through Smart Micro-nutrient Fertilization (ENRICH) Project, directly benefited 100 rice farmers in Doho and Kibimba rice irrigation schemes in Eastern Uganda. These have adopted the innovations demonstrated and applied the skills and knowledge from trainings and participation in the trials established under the project, since they were involved in the participatory research under their Farmer Research Groups (FRGs). The Farmers are already reaping the benefits of this knowledge and gone as far as extending it to fellow farmers not directly involved in the project.
The revelations were made during interactions between project partners and farmers under their FRG during the end of project meeting held at Doho rice irrigation scheme, in Butaleja on Tuesday 25th June, 2019.
The project aimed to increase food, nutrition and income security of smallholder lowland rice farmers through testing and recommending best micro-macro nutrient fertilizer strategies for optimum yields and nutritional quality.
Mrs. Janet Hamayo proudly shows off her rice yield at Doho rice irrigation scheme. She was overjoyed at how good the yield on her field turned out after she implemented the knowledge on use of fertilizer and GAPs for improved yield.
Evaluating the Benefits of Micro-nutrients on Rice Farming in Uganda
Through active involvement and participation in the Enhancing Rice Markets in Uganda through Smart Micronutrient Fertilization (ENRICH) Project, selected rice farmers in Bugiri and Butaleja districts participated in the evaluation of different fertilizer combinations applied to the trial fields established at Kibimba and Doho irrigation schemes respectively.
The Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII) led project-ENRICH, aims to unravel the contributions of micronutrients in addition to macro nutrient fertilizer application on lowland rice in Uganda.
AfrII Agronomist, Mr. Thomas Awio says that direct involvement of farmers in the evaluation gives them an informed conclusion on the crops performance when micronutrients are applied. “They will then consider whether to take this research forward based on their own judgement / conclusion.” The project has given famers a better understanding on importance of micronutrients to the rice crop for improved productivity. Under their Farmer Research Groups (FRGs), these have been efficiently trained to evaluate the experiments so as to select the best combinations and management practices that will give the best rice yields and then integrate these into their current management practices.
The different fertilizers being evaluated are nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), Sulphur (S) and a commercial micronutrient fertilizer Elfert-F.
AfrII Agronomist, Thomas Awio (inset gesturing with arm) speaks to farmers during their evaluation of the rice trial plots
Thomas also stresses the nutrient quality being assessed in this research “we are also looking at how micro- nutrients actually influence the accumulation of nutrients on the grain so that at the end of it all one is eating rice that has the nutrients required by the body.”
Micro-nutrients have been reported to enhance uptake efficiency of NPK, improving rice grain yields, profit margins, grain nutritional quality and disease tolerance.
Partners visit project areas on progress of their research work on the rice crop
Last week, AfrII hosted partners on the Enhancing Rice Markets in Uganda through Smart Micronutrient Fertilization (ENRICH) Project to field visits to witness progress of the experimental trials established at Doho and Kibimba rice irrigation schemes in the two districts of Butaleja and Bugiri, respectively. The Project under collaborative research efforts aims to address rice nutrient problems through testing and recommending best micro and macronutrient fertilizer combinations and application methods that give best yield results for farmers. The partners interacted with the farmers of both FRGs to share ideas on enhancing nutrient use to increase rice productivity.
Scientists at the Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII) successfully set up experimental trial plots in the two districts with the involvement of Farmer Research Groups (FRGs). These have been trained for their efficient involvement in evaluating the experiments, and selecting the best fertilizer combinations and management practices that will give the best rice yields, and can be integrated into their current management practices.
“In this phase of the research, we engaged a few farmers but we intend to involve all farmers from the different sub counties during the on farm trials.” says Thomas Awio, an agronomist at AfrII. 10 farmers were selected under the FRGs to participate in the experiment.
“By actively engaging the farmers in this research, we want them to learn and efficiently put to use the technologies being extended to them. They can then act as ambassadors of this work and share the knowledge obtained with other farmers outside the project so as to thrive rice productivity” remarks Professor Otim-Nape, the Chairman, AfrII. The Project is extending to farmers’ new ways of growing rice, new varieties and how to grow these with fertilizers.
Farmers under their FRG engage in weeding on the rice trial plot in Kibimba. Looking on Far back is Professor Otim-Nape, the AfrII Chairman and Dr. TjeerdJan Stomph of Wageningen
One of the Partners on the Project, Dr. Christian Dimpka, a fertilizer expert from the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) hinted that fertilizers are a major driver of yield increase. He advises that micronutrient fertilization be taken more seriously if a farmer is to gain more from their rice farming efforts. “A farmer should always test their soil to determine what type and amount of nutrients to add in the soil. A farmer will increase productivity from 20% to 50% if they apply fertilizer and properly manage the crop.” He adds that if a farmer has been getting 5 dollars on a field, they can get 75 dollars when they ably use fertilizer on the crop.
Another partner on the project, Dr. SenthilKumar Kalimuthu, an agronomist at the Africa Rice Centre advised that farmers should use varieties resistant to disease if they are to gain more from their rice fields. “In the experiment at Doho, we are using the K98 variety because it is blast susceptible. We have observed that by applying nutrients, both micro and macro, the fertilizers can reduce the incidence of blast diseases on this variety.” Says Kalimuthu.
Dr. Kalimuthu of Africa Rice observes a rice plant on the trial plots at Doho rice irrigation scheme
Farmers have appreciated the technologies and are excited in utilizing them to sustain productivity of other crops apart from rice. Ms. Faridah Akwi, the Vice Chairperson of the FRG in Kibimba, Bugiri, happily relays their gratitude. “We appreciate AfrII and partners for making us part of this research work. We intend to share the knowledge and skills extended to us through this project to other rice farmers.” “We have been trained on the best technologies including row planting, timely transplanting, weeding and application of fertilizer and micro nutrients to the fields to improve yield productivity.” Farida says.
Farmers in Uganda nearly use no fertilizers on rice yet the use of fertilizers comes with a number of advantages like increasing yields (0.8 to 1.5 t/ha – lowland rice) and (1.5 to 2.5 t/ha-upland rice). Micronutrients have been reported to enhance uptake efficiency of NPK, improving rice grain yields, profit margins, grain nutritional quality and disease tolerance. The different fertilizers being evaluated are nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), sulphur (S) and a commercial micronutrient fertilizer Elfert-F.
The ENRICH project funded by the Government of the Netherlands is a partnership between Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII), Virtual Fertiliser Research Centre of the International Fertilizer Development Centre(VFRC-IFDC)-Washington DC, Africa Rice Centre (Africa Rice)-Tanzania, Wageningen University (WUR)-Netherlands, International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC)-World Soil Information, Netherlands, FICA Seeds Limited, and Wind Wood Millers Limited.
AfrII extends technologies to farmers to boost production of upland rice in Uganda.
The Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII) through the East African wetlands: Optimizing sustainable production for future food security project is extending Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) technologies aimed to boost upland rice production in the two districts of Wakiso and Luweero. The project is operating in Rice Sector Development Hubs in the 3 countries of Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. In Uganda, 10 farmers from each of the three selected villages in the two districts will partake in this research through a participatory process with aim to equip them with skills and knowledge in practicing climate smart agriculture to boost production of upland rice which will contribute to food security and increased well-being of rice producers and consumers in Africa.
The project is centered on promoting 4 GAP practices i.e. line sowing, fertilizer application (NPK), using ring hoes (a weeding tool that enables proper weeding within the rice garden without disturbing the rice in its growth), and planting the NAMCHE III upland rice variety. This variety is tolerant to climate change effects like drought and also takes a shorter maturation duration of about 3 and a half months after sowing.
“Farmers have previously been engaged in farming using rudimentary traditional methods and so the project is promoting these technologies so that productivity of the rice crop is enhanced to promote food security and welfare.” Remarks the Project Coordinator, also the AfrII Chairman, Professor George William Otim-Nape. Nape adds “The aim is to understand the challenges they face in rice farming and then teach them what to do to overcome these using technologies introduced to them. Today, productive farming is about engaging in climate smart agriculture and that is why we want the farmers to participate and own the technologies to improve rice productivity”
Under this research project, the selected farmers have set up a 200meter garden on which the NAMCHE III rice variety has been planted in rows/lines. This variety is directly planted/ sowed in the gardens without need for a nursery to carry out transplanting. The gardens have been set up under guidance and supervision of the AfrII field technical team of scientists working on the project and extending to the farmers’ trainings on proper crop management practices of the rice plant.
A farmer in Wakiso weeds his rice garden using the ring hoe one of the GAPs promoted under the project.
AfrII’s research scientists and field technicians are conducting field observation and monitoring visits to supervise and monitor the farmers during the different activities to ensure proper management of the technologies extended to them. The just concluded field visit involved a second round of fertilizer application to the plant (at 3weeks) in which 2 kilograms of NPK fertilizer were applied to each of the 30 selected farmer gardens.
A female farmer in Luweero district applies NPK fertilizer to her rice garden
“If the production is high and the farmers see and appreciate, we expect them to adopt the practices for the better so as to promote sustainable upland rice production on a large scale after the research is concluded” remarks AfrII field technical supervisor, Stephen Kwesiga.
During the different field visits, data is collected to record all the biotic stresses disturbing the plant during production i.e. chlorophyll score, and Pests and diseases. Some of the data collection tools used include a Leaf color chart of 1 to 4 different color grades. This is used to score chlorophyll content of the rice plant to monitor the plant performance. Based on the performance, one is able to know the plants health status based on the nutrient content is the soil. The card helps one identify whether there are some nutrients lacking in the soil and guides on whether there is need to add some to improve production of the rice plant.
A farmer inspects his rice garden and clears out sprouting weeds to keep the garden clean
The research project funded by the German Federal Ministry of economic cooperation and development (BMZ) targets rice farmers, value-chain actors (input dealers, millers, traders, fabricators, etc.), research and extension staff and government officials of Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda where it is being implemented.
According to the National Rice Development Strategy, Uganda is expected to produce up to 500,000 tons of rice in 2018 with introduction of new lowland rice varieties like NAMCHE III.
Research proves efficiency of fertiliser application on the rice crop
Research on the rice crop has proved efficiency of fertiliser application by 100% when micronutrients are applied onto the fields. Evidence to this is the crop yield on the trial plots established by AfrII and farmers at Doho rice Irrigation Scheme in Butaleja District. The different fertilisers applied on these trial plots are nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), sulphur (S) and a commercial micronutrient fertiliser Elfert-F.
Micronutrients have been reported to enhance uptake efficiency of NPK, improving rice grain yields, profit margins, grain nutritional quality and disease tolerance. For instance, Sulphur, Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Calcium, Boron, Iron and Manganese applied in combination rather than individual micronutrients have been reported to increase yields of rice, maize, wheat, beans and potato in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi and Mozambique by 20-70% above the yields realised with NPK alone. This is yet to be the similar experience for Uganda.
The Africa Innovations Institute and partners on the Rice ENRICH (Enhancing rice markets in Uganda through smart micronutrient fertilisation) Project are currently engaged in research to prove how efficient application of fertiliser can be on rice, thus improving yield production. The Project identifies and integrates science based innovative SmartFert strategies and agronomic practices to lift rice yields through intense stakeholder involvement.
In pictures: The rice yield on the trial plots established by AfrII and Farmers at Doho Rice Irrigation Scheme under the ENRICH Project
Scientists train rice farmers in Uganda on fertilizer use and application for improved yields
Soil nutrient depletion is one of the top most agricultural production constraints in Uganda, with over 80% of rice farmers perceiving this constraint to be one of the factors constraining crop yields. Yet, fertilizers are barely used, and yield responses to conventional NPK-fertilizers are poor. Micronutrients have been reported to enhance uptake efficiency of NPK, improving rice grain yields, profit margins, grain nutritional quality and disease tolerance. For instance, Sulphur, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium, boron, iron and manganese applied in combination rather than individual micronutrients have been reported to increase yields of rice, maize, wheat, beans and potato in Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi and Mozambique by 20-70% above the yields realized with NPK alone. Similarly, improved yields of maize in Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria and Tanzania have been reported when micronutrients were applied in combination with NPK. In Uganda however, little is known about micronutrient fertilization in rice.
With regard to this, crop scientists from Africa Innovations Institute are currently conducting research on the rice crop with the emphasis of unraveling the contributions of micronutrients in addition to macronutrient fertilizer application in Uganda. The efforts to achieve this are covered under the ENRICH (Enhancing rice markets in Uganda through smart micronutrient fertilization) project that aims to address rice nutrient problems through testing and recommending best micro and macronutrient fertilizer combinations and application methods that give best yield results for farmers.
To do this, the scientists under the project have set up field experiments in Eastern Uganda on the two rice irrigation schemes of Doho in Butaleja District and Kibimba in Bugiri district. This has been successfully done with the involvement of Farmer Research Groups (FRGs) that are helping in trial monitoring and evaluation. These FRGs have been trained for their efficient involvement in evaluating the experiments, and selecting the best fertilizer combinations and management practices that will give the best rice yields and can be integrated into their current management practices.
The different fertilizers being evaluated are nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Boron (B), sulphur (S) and a commercial micronutrient fertilizer Elfert-F. “These have been applied at rates based on the results of soil analysis from the fields where the trials are being conducted.” Says AfrII Agronomist, Mr. Thomas Awio, also the lead technical supervisor of the experiments.
“This research we are conducting at the two rice irrigation schemes is an exciting experience with potential to improve the productivity of the rice crop in Uganda. Similar research has been conducted in neighboring Tanzania and other countries and the results were overwhelming. If this same research emerges a success, then Uganda is headed for greater things with the rice crop. We have also actively engaged farmers to own this research. Farmers need to understand clearly what the experiment is all about, why they (farmers) should participate which is why we have trained them to clearly understand the importance of the experiments and also trained them on what to do. This team will then be briefing the rest of the farmers on the progress of the trials, engage in demonstrating the best fertilizer combinations in their fields to motivate fellow farmers to adopt and embrace this new technology” remarks Professor Otim-Nape, Chairman AfrII.
“There is a lot to be done, and this research is the beginning of a transformation to the rice grain in Uganda in as far as ensuring food security” adds Professor Otim-Nape.
Professor Otim-Nape, is a veteran plant virologist / pathologist / scientist famously referred to as ‘Dr. Cassava’ for his enormous efforts in saving the crop from the dreaded cassava mosaic epidemic. He is now looking at improving the rice grain. He relayed optimism that once the research emerges successful, this will be the biggest breakthrough for rice farmers in Uganda for they will reap big from rice production. He also believes that this improved yield will also widen markets for the rice grain thus impacting on lives of farmers who will then look beyond local sales.
The ENRICH project funded by the Government of the Netherlands is a partnership between Africa Innovations Institute (AfrII)-also the lead implementer, Virtual Fertiliser Research Centre of the International Fertilizer Development Centre(VFRC-IFDC)-Washington DC, Africa Rice Centre (Africa Rice)-Tanzania, Wageningen University (WUR)-Netherlands, International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC)-World Soil Information, Netherlands, FICA Seeds Limited-Uganda, and Wind Wood Millers Limited-Uganda. The project will run for 3 years (January 2016 to January 2019).
