Senegal Rice Farmers Boost Yields and Health with Fish Integration: A Sustainable Revolution in Northern Paddies

In northern Senegal, farmer Moussa Ndiaye is reaping more than just rice—his paddies now teem with tilapia, thanks to a groundbreaking agro-ecological initiative led by researchers from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and local partners. With support from the African Development Bank and the World Bank’s climate resilience programs, this fish-rice co-culture system has increased yields by up to 30% while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. The integration of Nile tilapia not only enhances soil fertility through natural nutrient cycling but also provides a critical protein source for rural families, addressing malnutrition in a region where over 25% of children suffer from stunting. The project, piloted across 1,200 hectares in the Matam and Saint-Louis regions since 2021, demonstrates how traditional farming can evolve sustainably. By leveraging seasonal flooding patterns and low-cost pond infrastructure, farmers like Ndiaye are cutting input costs and boosting income—some reporting up to $800 extra per season. This model is gaining traction as climate change intensifies droughts and salinization in West Africa’s Sahel zone, making resilient agriculture a necessity. Experts say this innovation could serve as a blueprint for other rice-growing nations facing similar challenges. As global demand for sustainable food systems rises, Senegal’s fish-in-rice success story highlights how combining ancient practices with modern science can deliver food security, economic gains, and public health improvements—all within a single paddy.