Assessment of an irrigated rice cropping system in the Senegal river valley

The development of irrigated rice in the Senegal river valley is a great challenge for the riverside States. The potential yields and the possibility of cultivating two crops per year should increase food security and reduce rural exodus. Unfortunately, the results of rice production have been disappointing. The average yield is under 5 t/ha, but the costs are between 2,5 and 4 t/ha, and intensity of cultivation is generally below one. An agronomical study of the irrigated rice cropping systems practiced by farmers in the left side of the Senegal middle valley was carried out to identify problems at the field level, and to understand the production process for the whole irrigated scheme.