` Trip Report on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial (RAL VAT) protocol activities in framework of AICCRA project to Syngenta Foundation and IER partners in Mali RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training [xxx] Report Ahouanton Kokou June • 2024 To cite this report [Ahouanton, K. 2024. AICCRA Report Type: Trip Report on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial (RAL VAT) protocol activities in framework of AICCRA project to Syngenta Foundation and IER partners in Mali. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA)] Acknowledgements Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a project that helps deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture. It is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. We would like to thank all participants who participated in this workshop. Photos © Ahouanton Kokou/AfricaRice Disclaimer This working paper has not been peer reviewed. Any opinions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of AICCRA, donors, or partners. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non-commercial 4.0 International License. © 2024 Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) Partn About AICCRA Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a project that helps deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture. It is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. Explore our work at aiccra.cgiar.org aiccra.cgiar.org aiccra@cgiar.org CGIARAfrica 3 3 RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training Contents INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 4 OBJECTIVES .................................................................................... 5 ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS ................................................................ 6 Training sessions in Sikasso with Syngenta Foundation .............................. 7 Training sessions in Segou with IER ........................................................ 7 Training sessions in Sikasso with IER.......................................................7 PROBLEMS AND CONSTRAINTS ......................................................... 8 NEXT STEPS AND WAY FORWARD ..................................................... 8 4 4 RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training List of tables Table 1. Agenda. 5 Table 2. Training in Sikasso with Syngenta 7 Table 3. Training in Segou with IER 7 Table 4. Training in Sikasso with IER 7 5 5 RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training Introduction This report provides an overview of the RiceAdvice Lite validation trial (RAL VAT) protocol activities conducted from May 24th to June 16th, 2024, under the AICCRA project. The objective of these activities was to train partners from the Syngenta Foundation and the Institut d'Économie Rurale (IER) in Mali on the RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol for the 2024 wet season. The training sessions were designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively set up and manage trial plots, as well as to collect and analyze data using the RiceAdvice Lite application. Table 1. Agenda. Date Activities 5/28/2024 Travel from Bamako to Sikasso (Location 1) with Syngenta Foundation partners 5/29/2024 Training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol in rainfed to Syngenta Foundation partners in location 1 5/30/2024 Training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol in rainfed to Syngenta Foundation partners in location 1 5/31/2024 Travel from Sikasso to Bamako with Syngenta Foundation partners 6/2/2024 Travel from Bamako to Segou with IER partners 6/3/2024 Training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol in irrigated lowlands to IER partners 6/4/2024 Training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol in irrigated lowlands to IER partners 6/5/2024 Travel from Segou to Sikasso (Location 2) with IER partners 6/6/2024 Training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol in rainfed lowland to IER partners in location 2 6/7/2024 Training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol in rainfed lowland to IER partners in location 2 6/8/2024 Travel from Sikasso to Bamako with IER partners 6 6 RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training Objectives The primary objectives of this mission were: Training: To train Syngenta Foundation and IER partners on the RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol, ensuring they are well-prepared for the 2024 wet season trials in Mali. Implementation: To support the setup of trial plots in selected rice farmers' fields across the regions of Sikasso and Segou. Data Collection: To ensure participants understand how to use the RiceAdvice Lite application for accurate data collection and monitoring. Training session with IER team in Segou Training session with IER team in Segou 7 7 RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training Activities and Results 1. Training in Sikasso with Syngenta Foundation Partner Table 2. Training in Sikasso Syngenta Foundation Aspect Details Participants 6 technicians and 4 supervisors (2 females, 8 males) Age Demographics 6 young professionals (under 40 years old), including 2 females Training Outcome Participants understood the application use for setting up trial plots and collecting data. Field Target 30 rice farmers' fields in Sikasso Picture 1: Group photo for training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol to Syngenta Foundation partners in Sikasso in Mali 1. Training in Segou with IER Partner Table 2. Training in Segou with IER Aspect Details Participants 10 technicians and 2 supervisors (all males) Age Demographics 8 young professionals (under 40 years old) Training Outcome Participants were trained in the RiceAdvice Lite application and trial protocol. Field Target 40 rice farmers' fields in Segou 8 8 RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training Picture 2: Group photo for training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol to IER Niono partners in Segou in Mali 1. Training in Sikasso with IER Partner Table 3. Training in Segou with IER Aspect Details Participants 6 technicians and 2 supervisors (all males) Age Demographics 3 young professionals (under 40 years old) Training Outcome Participants were successfully trained on the RiceAdvice Lite application. Field Target 30 rice farmers' fields in Sikasso Picture 3: Group photo for training on RiceAdvice Lite validation trial protocol to IER Sikasso partners in Sikasso in Mali 9 9 RiceAdvice Lite Validation Training Problems and Constraints The main challenge encountered was related to security concerns in Mali, particularly in Niono. Due to these issues, participants from Niono were relocated to Segou, a more secure location, where they safely received their training. Despite this, the training sessions were conducted successfully without any significant constraints. Next Steps and Way Forward The following steps will be taken to ensure the continued success of the RiceAdvice Lite validation trials : 1. Monitoring Visits: The first monitoring visits will be conducted to follow up on the setup of trial plots and verify the data collected, focusing on the treatments applied to the 10m x 10m plots. 2. Maturity Stage Monitoring: A second set of monitoring visits will take place during the rice maturity stage. These visits will include field training on the use of harvesting ropes to ensure accurate harvesting of the 5m x 5m net plots aiccra.cgiar.org info@cgiar.org CGIARAfrica Introduction Objectives Activities and Results 1. Training in Sikasso with Syngenta Foundation Partner 1. Training in Segou with IER Partner 1. Training in Sikasso with IER Partner Problems and Constraints Next Steps and Way Forward