The Integrated Rural Development in Gaoual, Koundara, and Mali (PDRI/GKM) project (2019-2025) aimed to increase agricultural production, improve market access, and build agricultural and rural infrastructure in the prefectures of Gaoual, Koundara, and Mali in Guinea.
PDRI/GKM was funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and implemented by IFDC, the Ministry of Agriculture, Guinea Agronomic Research Institute (IRAG), the Rural Promotion and Agricultural Extension Service (SERPROCA), and farmer organizations.
Through collaboration, the project sought to boost food security, strengthen local economies, and create sustainable farming systems for rural communities.
Project Approach
PDRI/GKM focused mainly on building the capacity of stakeholders in integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and agribusiness and training farmers on urea deep placement (UDP) technology through the farmer field school approach.
Expected Outcomes
The PDRI/GKM project aimed to contribute to long-term economic growth and improved livelihoods for small-scale producers. Expected outcomes include:
Land Development and Agricultural Infrastructure: Development of 2,100 hectares (ha) of land, including 200 ha for rice and vegetables, 500 ha under full irrigation, 1,400 ha for rainfed agriculture, and 65 ha under drip or sprinkler irrigation.
Post-Harvest Infrastructure: Construction of 30 rice and maize warehouses, four community markets, and 20 drying areas to support efficient storage and processing.
Capacity Building and Agricultural Inputs: Completion of 45 training sessions on good agricultural practices, production and distribution of high-yielding improved seeds, and provision of agricultural equipment for production, harvesting, processing, and marketing.
Market Access and Rural Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of 167 kilometers of rural roads and construction of essential crossing structures to facilitate transportation and trade.
Livestock Development: Contribution to Guinea’s livestock master plan to enhance productivity and sustainability in the sector.
Project Impact
2025
- Trained 20 farmers (40% women) on the operation, maintenance, and use of briquetting machines to produce 1.8‑gram and 2.7‑gram urea granules, and on using fertilizer applicators for rice.
- Strengthened the knowledge and skills of 227 participants, including 161 women, in producing and using compost.
- Trained three local facilitators on UDP techniques, along with farmer groups where the trials took place; notably, each of these groups comprised 80% women.
2024
- Trained 1,264 farmers (20% of whom were women) on UDP technology.
- Established 30 farmer field schools to demonstrate UDP technology.
