In 2023, Salmata Ouattara experienced a significant turning point for her rice farm, overcoming the challenges of inconsistent rainfall and flooding that had frustrated many farmers. By implementing the Smart Valleys concept, she diversified her crops and significantly increased her yield from 2 tonnes to 4.5 tonnes, leading to increased income. Smart Valleys, supported by Africa Rice and Japan's agriculture ministry, aims to help farmers control water on their land more effectively, promoting crop diversity and improving agricultural productivity in underutilized inland valleys.
Salmata Ouattara recalls 2023 as the turning point for her rice farm, noting previously inconsistent rainfall that often led to flooded farmlands and abandoned crops.
Smart Valleys is a low-cost initiative by Africa Rice, aiming to help farmers manage their water resources to reduce flooding and improve agricultural yields.
Before implementing Smart Valleys, Ouattara produced only 2 tonnes of rice annually, generating around 400,000 CFA. After adoption, her yield doubled to 4.5 tonnes.
Elliott Dossou-Yovo stated that only 10% of the 190 million hectares of inland valleys suitable for agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa are currently cultivated.
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