From pond to lowland scale, a systemic approach to better understanding small-scale rice-fish farming dynamics: Case study in Guinea

Context: Rice-fish farming supports rural livelihoods in Guinea, but practices and outcomes vary widely due to differences in environmental conditions and market access. These disparities affect farmers' ability to adopt advanced aquaculture techniques, highlighting the need for context-specific approaches. Objective: This study explores the practices, constraints, and income contributions of rice-fish farming systems in Guinea, with a focus on the drivers of technical adoption and their effects on household livelihoods. Methods: A census of 1942 rice-fish farmers was combined with in-depth monitoring of 36 production cycles from 16 farms across three agro-ecological zones. Analyses included descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, mass balance, labor productivity calculations and qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews. Market accessibility was identified as a significant influencing factor through statistical association with fish prices and practice adoption, and interpreted in light of qualitative information such as proximity to regional markets and the presence of wholesale fish buyers. Results and conclusions: Although farmers generally understand fish farming principles, only 59 % use H. fasciatus and 30 % adopt monosex tilapia. Many recycle small fish as fingerlings, limiting growth potential. Rice-fish farming contributes 18 % of household income, on par with rice (22 %) and plantation crops (21 %). In peri-urban areas, better market access encourages the adoption of advanced practices, leading to higher prices (25,000 GNF/kg vs. 16,000–20,000 elsewhere). In contrast, savannah farmers face challenges such as water scarcity and poor market connectivity, often integrating dry-season horticulture into ponds. Significance: The study highlights farmers' adaptability in developing context-specific practices. It underscores the need for tailored support to enhance the sustainability and resilience of rice-fish farming systems in Guinea.