Training on integrated options for soil salinity management in the Delta of the Senegal River

Participants of the training program at AfricaRice Training Center in Senegal. (Credit: AfricaRice)

From October 21-25 Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice), in collaboration with MetaMeta, conducted a training program on soil salinity management for lowland irrigated rice production in the Delta of the Senegal River Valley as part of the Seed Money Project ‘ISSM4RICE’ – Senegal funded by Netherlands Food Partnership (NPF). The training, held at AfricaRice Training Center in Senegal, aimed to equip extension agents and lead farmers with tools for on-farm salinity evaluation and strategies for integrated soil salinity management in irrigated rice fields. Soil salinity is one of the major constraints to irrigated rice production in the Delta of the Senegal River Valley resulting in significant yield reduction and abandonment of fields.

The Seed Money Project ‘ISSM4RICE’ focuses in managing soil salinity in rice-based cropping systems by promoting cost-effective solutions to combat salinity. This training is organized to address the urgent need for effective strategies in mitigating soil salinity, which is a significant constraint to rice productivity, particularly in the delta of Senegal River Valley. This training responds to the increasing challenges posed by soil salinization, exacerbated by climate change and inadequate water management practices, which threaten food security and livelihoods. By equipping extension agents with the necessary knowledge and skills, the project aims to enhance their ability to support farmers in adopting sustainable practices that improve crop resilience and productivity in saline conditions.

The training for 25 extensions agents from Société nationale d’Aménagement et d'Exploitation des Terres du Delta de Fleuve Sénégal et des Vallées du Fleuve Sénégal et de la Falémé (SAED) included visits to farmer field schools established to increasing farmers awareness of adaptive technologies, such as salt-tolerant rice varieties and appropriate agronomic management practices tailored to local conditions to combat soil salinization.

Following the training, extension agents will be better equipped to assist farmers in addressing soil salinity issues through the implementation of integrated soil salinity management options developed by AfricaRice. "As an extension agent, I found the training on salinity management invaluable. Previously, many of us struggled to define salinity, but now I understand different types of soil salinity, how to measure it on the farm and address it using salt-tolerant varieties and agronomic practices such as gypsum, zinc, and potassium application. This knowledge will enable us to effectively assist farmers in managing soil salinity and enhancing rice productivity" said Ndiaga Ndiaye, Area Manager for Diama.

Participants of the training program during a field visit. (Credit: AfricaRice)