To What Extent Does Modified System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Training Increase Productivity of Small-Scale Rice Cultivation in a Rain-Fed Area? Evidence from Tanzania

This study investigates the impact of modified System of Rice Intensification (SRI) training provided by a large-scale private farm on the performance of surrounding small-scale rice farmers in a rain-fed area in Tanzania. We found that the training effectively increases the adoption of improved rice cultivation practices, paddy yield, and profit of rice cultivation by small-holder farmers. In fact, the trainees achieve paddy yield of 5 tons per hectare on average, which is remarkably high in rain-fed rice cultivation by any standard. Our results suggest high potential for achieving a rice Green Revolution in rain-fed areas and the importance of extension services by large-scale farms.