The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) principles—including wider spacing, single plant density, organic inputs, soil aeration, and reduced water usage—are not limited to rice. These core principles work on ALL crops, and researchers across Asia and Africa have successfully adapted SRI for wheat, maize, millet, sugarcane, and even vegetables, proving that same plant and soil conditions can produce 2-3x higher yields using different methods. At Maputo Bridge Capital (MBC), founded by Anselmo Boaventura in Fort Worth, Texas, we witness how these technical advancements empower smallholder farmers to improve their livelihoods by connecting them with sponsors.
SRI Principles Applied to Maize
| Practice | Traditional Maize | SRI Maize |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds per hole | 2-3 | 1 |
| Spacing | 75×25cm | 60×60cm |
| Weeding | Manual | Rotary weeder (aerates soil) |
| Water | Rain only | Supplemental (when needed) |
| Organic matter | None | 5 tons compost/ha |
| Yield | 1.0 ton/ha | 3-5 tons/ha |
SRI for Cassava
| Practice | Traditional Cassava | SRI Cassava |
|---|---|---|
| Cuttings per hole | 2-3 | 1 |
| Spacing | 1×1m | 1.5×1.5m |
| Weeding | 2-3 times | 4-5 times (aeration) |
| Organic matter | None | 3 tons compost/ha |
| Yield | 12 tons/ha | 25-40 tons/ha |
What this means for the farmer's season
For a smallholder farmer in our partner cooperative COJAZ in Zambezia, adopting these methods means transforming their growing season. By moving from traditional dense planting to SRI spacing, a farmer uses fewer seeds while significantly increasing the required labor for weeding and aeration. The addition of compost and supplemental water usage improves soil health, leading to drastically higher yields that turn subsistence farming into a surplus for their community.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main benefit of soil aeration? Soil aeration, often achieved through mechanical weeding, allows roots to access more oxygen, which is critical for plant health and nutrient uptake.
Why is wider spacing used in SRI? It reduces competition between plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients, allowing each individual plant to develop a stronger root system.
Do SRI methods require specialized machinery? While tools like a rotary weeder are used, the primary focus of SRI is on management techniques and organic soil improvements rather than heavy machinery.
We invite you to support these farmers by providing a sponsorship from $25. Your contribution goes directly to the local seed and fertilizer shop in Mozambique, and you receive field photos and receipts as documentation. Please visit our sponsorship page to learn more; please note that sponsorships are gifts, not investments.