03 Sept. 2019 — Rice represents more than 40% of agricultural income sources for Malagasy households. The rice-fish system has always existed in Madagascar, but with rice-fish farming, fish production becomes significantly more substantial. This sustainable agricultural technique is perfectly suited to Malagasy agriculture, especially as it could help combat malnutrition and poverty. But how does it work? Is it achievable?

What is Rice-Fish Farming?

The FAO defines rice-fish farming as the raising of fish or shrimp in rice paddies, alongside rice cultivation. In Madagascar, rice-fish farmers primarily raise carp, but also tilapia and gourami. This form of farming provides a protein source in a diet based on rice, as well as additional income in a society with a vulnerable economy.

Even though the spaces dedicated to rice cultivation are reduced due to the installation of specific necessary infrastructure (refuge channels, embankments, etc.), rice production remains the same, or even increases. This is because the fish ensure:

· a reduction in weeds;

· excellent soil fertilization;

· better soil oxygenation;

· an effect equivalent to hoeing, which promotes plant tillering.

How Does It Work?

Rice-fish farming can take two forms: natural rice-fish systems and managed rice-fish systems. In the former, fish enter the rice paddies naturally through water exchange during the rainy season or when paddies are flooded. In the latter, fish are introduced by humans and their growth is controlled. Malagasy farmers use feed in particular to raise carp.

In all cases, fish are always present in the paddies, though in smaller quantities. By implementing infrastructure better adapted to fish development, a simple farmer becomes a rice-fish farmer with two income sources. They will need to install:

· a refuge pond for fish during planting or harvest periods, or when the paddy water is drained

· higher embankments around the perimeter of the paddy to better manage water and prevent fish from escaping

· a water level regulation system, preventing predators from entering (inlet screen) and fish from escaping (outlet screen)

Fry (previously purchased or raised in the refuge pond) are introduced after rice planting. Malagasy farmers prefer carp because they are easy to raise. Tilapia are also easy to produce, but they have less flavor and deter other species.

Is It Widespread in Madagascar?

Rice-fish farming has always existed in Madagascar since the natural rice-fish system has always been exploited, even if not to its full potential. With each rice harvest, farmers also harvest fish (carp, eels, tilapia, etc.) and sometimes sell them. They only needed to be shown how to develop their paddies to obtain larger fish in greater quantities, plus improved rice production.

Faced with poverty and malnutrition (the latter responsible for 40% of child mortality), a project was launched in 2014 to promote carp aquaculture in the rice paddies of Madagascar's highlands, specifically in the regions of Haute Matsiatra, Vakinankaratra, where a village in Vavavato witnesses significant rice-fish farming activity, as well as Itasy and Amoron'i Mania.

These four regions were chosen because, together, they contain more than 20% of Malagasy people living below the poverty line. Children suffering from chronic malnutrition average more than 50%, sometimes much higher.

Today, rice-fish farmers are multiplying due to the financial returns that fish farming can provide and the ease of installation. Note that freshwater fish sells for 10,000 to 16,000 ariary per kilogram. The feed used for fish growth is also easily accessible and fairly inexpensive.

Could It Be One of the Levers to Ensure Food Security in Madagascar?

In Madagascar, eating a meal means consuming rice, and this, in large quantities! A household of 3 people consumes on average approximately 2 kg of rice per day if their means allow it. This always surprises travelers during their stay in Madagascar! This eating pattern is not "healthy," but Malagasy people are accustomed to it! Since daily work is mostly physical and labor-intensive (80% farmers), this caloric intake proves necessary.

In rural areas, far from the pollution of major cities, people apparently have fairly high life expectancy, as one encounters many nonagenarians and centenarians. They do not eat meat in abundance, but regularly consume vegetables and legumes. Beef, chicken, and fish are consumed on special occasions and during celebrations.

In regions where children suffer from malnutrition and sometimes die from it, it is not only the variety of foods that is lacking, but also the quantity. Though rice-farming households consume on average approximately 70% of their production, they sell the majority of their fish due to its market value.

To further encourage self-consumption, farmers would need to be made aware of the importance of nutritional benefits that fish can provide:

· protein

· iodine

· minerals (calcium, zinc, iron, phosphorus)

· vitamins (A, D, E, B)

· omega-3 (beneficial for pregnant women and brain development in young children)

· etc.

Fish consumption can absolutely combat malnutrition in Madagascar, but farmers must first be convinced. The concept of healthy eating is foreign to them, or differs according to their perspective. Furthermore, Malagasy culinary culture is relatively limited. Malagasy people know very few fish-based dishes: fish in tomato sauce with onions, fried fish, and carp with bambara beans. For those who eat pork, it is added to eels.

Combating malnutrition and ensuring food security in Madagascar involves not only helping farmers produce more sources of protein, nutrients, minerals, fiber, etc., but also convincing them to consume more of it. The task proves complex!

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