Yields and Yield Gaps in Lowland Rice Systems and Options to Improve Smallholder Production

Increasing productivity per unit area, hence closing the yield gap, is key to meeting cereal demand in sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed, with 114 farmers, contribution of recommended agronomic practices (RAP) or without NPK fertilization on gaps, and options intensify productivity. Treatments included farmers’ practice (FP) as control, RAP NPK, farmer-selected best geared towards intensification (farmers’ practice, FIP). FIP significantly increased grain yield, each by ca. 12%, whereas RAP+NPK application produced 33% extra over FP. gave highest mean net income (ca. USD 220 ha−1), fertilizer costs made lowest 50 ha−1). Weeding timing contributed most variation among fields. Delay weeding created an average loss 5.3 1.9 g m−2, day delay, respectively. Exploitable gap averaged 24 29%, respectively, across treatments under RAP, FIP, reduced exploitable 25, 26, conclude that different levels can be exploited smallholder farmers lowland rice systems allow reduction, although poses a risk profit at current prices. To realize gains, good water management should combine timely other crop practices.