Scientists Used Fish to Boost Rice Yields
The introduction of fish in Senegal rice paddies reduced parasite transmission and improved harvests.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Environmental
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Would you support using fish to control pests in rice production rather than traditional methods?
As of September 2026, researchers successfully integrated Nile tilapia and African bonytongue into rice fields in Lampsar, Senegal. This experimental approach both reduced the snail population carrying schistosomiasis and increased rice production by 25 per cent.
Why it matters
This dual-purpose intervention targets the agricultural productivity of local farms while addressing the spread of a disease that impacts millions. By controlling snail populations, the method offers a biological alternative to manage parasite transmission.
The pilot study involved 40 farmers who introduced African bonytongue to consume parasite-carrying snails and Nile tilapia to fertilize crops. This method serves 254 million people globally who require treatment for schistosomiasis.
The players
AfricaRice
This pan-African research organization focuses on improving the livelihoods of rice-based farming households across the continent.
World Health Organization
This specialized agency of the United Nations is responsible for international public health and tracking global disease burdens.
Moussa Ndiaye
An 80-year-old farmer who participated in the research pilot conducted in Lampsar, Senegal.
The details
The African bonytongue fish actively preys upon freshwater snails, which act as intermediate hosts for the parasites causing schistosomiasis. Concurrently, the waste produced by Nile tilapia provides essential nutrients that function as fertilizer for the paddy, contributing to a 25 per cent rise in agricultural output.
Timeline
September 15, 2026: Research report publication.
October 4, 2026: Article publication date.
Deeper Dive
This project aligns with AfricaRice's regional rice development initiatives to improve food security and disease management. It marks a significant shift toward integrated pest and disease control within the broader African agricultural sector.
Farmers adopting this integrated aquaculture approach may see higher crop yields and lower medical risks associated with water-borne parasites. Future implementation could offer a low-cost, biological tool for communities currently reliant on preventative medical treatments.
The takeaway
Integrating aquaculture with rice farming provides a practical solution to address both nutritional needs and public health challenges. Implementing such biological controls can reduce dependence on chemical treatments while simultaneously boosting farm revenue.
Further reading
Learn more about sustainable farming practices in our Environmental section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Young Post Club.
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Would you support using fish to control pests in rice production rather than traditional methods?
