The system of rice intensification, known as SRI is an agro-ecological methodology for increasing the productivity of irrigated rice by changing the management of plants, soil, water and nutrients. SRI originated in Madagascar in the 1980s and is based on the cropping principles of significantly reducing plant population, improving soil conditions and irrigation methods for root and plant development, and improving plant establishment methods.

IFAD has released a series of training videos about the adoption of SRI in East Africa by farmers who have learnt from and teach other farmers like themselves. They demonstrate how local farmers spread information about SRI through making contact with and visiting their fellow farmers, as the method travelled on its “learning route” from Madagascar to Rwanda, and then Burundi. The video series was developed in partnership with the SRI International Network and Resources Center (SRI-Rice) based at Cornell University.

IFAD encourages downloading and use of this video series for training purposes.

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