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Integrated soybean and rice mechanization and agricultural development plan
Expert Farmer supported the District of Denguélé and SIRIZ [fr] in Ivory Coast through a comprehensive feasibility and planning mission for the development of 5 000 ha of rice, maize, and soybean production. The project aimed to supply an existing rice processing facility and expand into complementary crops.
Integrated soybean and rice mechanization and agricultural development plan
Location
Ivory Coast
Production
Rice
Corn
Soybean
Delivery
2022
Area
5 000 ha
Client
BNETD
Sector
Public
Service(s)
Agri-feasibility study
The challenge
Project's location shows limited perennial water resources, heterogeneous farmer organization and technical capacity, difficult access to plots, and the need for tailored irrigation and mechanization strategies across diverse agro-ecological zones.
The result
The study enabled the client to refine its development strategy by identifying high-potential zones, optimizing irrigation and mechanization models, and aligning production planning with local agro-socioeconomic conditions, thereby enhancing project feasibility and investment readiness.
Brief of the project
Site identification and agro-environmental diagnostics
Expert Farmer has conducted extensive field missions across 12 localities in the Denguélé District to assess 5 000 ha of potential agricultural land. The team has evaluated soil quality, topography, climate, water resources, local flora (picture above), and energy access. They identified 3 520 ha of plains suitable for rice and soybean and 3 850 ha of plateaux for maize, with detailed mapping and scoring of each site’s development potential.
Socioeconomic and organizational assessment
The mission included a thorough analysis of local agricultural practices, land tenure systems, and farmer organization levels. Expert Farmer categorized producers into cooperative, group, and individual profiles, whilst also assessing their mechanization levels. These informed recommendations for cooperative development and tailored support strategies aim to enhance farmer engagement and productivity.
Irrigation and energy strategy development
Given the seasonal nature of water availability, Expert Farmer evaluated multiple irrigation models, recommending the construction of water reservoirs as the most viable solution for dry-season production. We also assessed energy access, proposing a hybrid system combining national grid and solar power to ensure cost-effective irrigation infrastructure.
Pilot phase design and infrastructure planning
Expert Farmer designed an irrigated 250 ha pilot project. We provided technical specifications for irrigation, mechanization, and energy infrastructure, including the establishment of a mechanization center and base camp. The pilot aimed to validate the production model before scaling.
Strategic recommendations and project structuring
The team delivered a comprehensive diagnostic report that informed the next phases: production planning, preliminary engineering studies, and business plan updates. Their work provided a strategic roadmap for phased development, risk mitigation, and investment mobilization, aligning technical feasibility with local realities and institutional goals.