Smart-Valleys Boost Rice Yields and Farmer Incomes in Côte d’Ivoire

Smart-Valleys approach experimental field in Mbé (Côte d'Ivoire). Credit: AfricaRice

In Côte d’Ivoire, the Smart-Valleys approach is transforming lowland rice production with a solution that is both affordable and high-impact. Costing just US$ 700 per hectare—compared to US$ 5,000 per hectare for traditional land development—Smart Valleys has already been adopted by over 5,000 farmers. The results are promising: rice yields have increased by 2.3 tons per hectare, boosting farmers’ incomes by an average of US$ 687 per hectare. Beyond rice, the improved water management system has enabled farmers to diversify with vegetables and legumes, strengthening food and nutrition security and generating new livelihood opportunities across rural communities.

Smart-Valleys is transforming Africa’s inland valleys into engines of resilience, productivity, and prosperity. Developed by Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), this low-cost and participatory innovation empowers farming communities to take charge of land and water management using simple, affordable tools and shared knowledge. By organizing farmers around community-led planning and infrastructure, Smart-Valleys boosts rice yields, improves access to inputs, strengthens market linkages, and unlocks the economic power of collective production. These nature-based, biodiverse systems not only withstand droughts and floods—they build social cohesion, enhance local incomes, and offer one of the strongest pathways for Africa to achieve rice self-sufficiency.

“Before, I made 2 tons a year and earned at least US$ 700,” said Ouattara, who has since added maize, tomatoes and cucumbers to her portfolio. “But as soon as we put Smart-Valleys into practice, I made 4.5 tons, which makes me US$ 1,600.”

Salmata Ouattara and her fellow farmers explained the Smart-Valleys concept that has helped them with water control and boosting incomes. Credit: Eromo Egbejule/The Guardian

The need for massive scaling of Smart-Valleys in Africa

Africa’s 190 million hectares of inland valleys are among the continent most powerful yet underused agricultural assets. Blessed with abundant water and naturally fertile soils, these vibrant landscapes fuel far more than rice production. They sustain diverse farming systems—fish ponds, vegetables, fruits, and livestock—while also providing communities with essential forest products, forage, and wild foods. These multifunctional ecosystems are not just productive—they are lifelines for millions and key to Africa’s food and economic resilience.

From 8 to 12 September 2025, AfricaRice convened a dynamic workshop that brought together sister CGIAR and national research organizations, development partners, and government representatives from across the continent. Together, they co-created the Smart-Valleys Compendium—a transformative blueprint for sustainable inland valley development aimed at boosting food and nutrition security across Africa. This collaborative effort marks a major milestone in scaling a proven, low-cost, climate-smart approach that empowers communities and strengthens rice production where it matters most.

Scaling the Smart-Valleys approach across Africa is proving transformative, delivering high returns on investment, reducing the continent’s dependence on costly rice imports, and paving the way for true rice self-sufficiency. As populations grow and climates shift, Smart-Valleys is emerging as one of Africa’s most powerful, sustainable solutions for boosting local production and strengthening food security.