More food and money, less disease: Senegal's surprising eco-experiment
Summary
NPR’s Shortwave explores an experiment in Senegal where researchers introduce fish into rice paddies to combat schistosomiasis, boost crop yields, and reduce farmer poverty. The parasitic disease surged after dams blocked prawn predators, allowing snail hosts to thrive. By adding snail-eating African bony tongue and fertilizer-providing tilapia, farmers aim to lower disease risk while increasing income. Early results show significant gains in rice production and earnings, with hopes for wider adoption.
Topics discussed
Intro: Fish in rice farms to fight disease and poverty
Sponsors: Workday and Charles Schwab
Rice farming in the Sahel and dam construction
Schistosomiasis: The parasite and its spread
The fish solution: Heterotis and Tilapia
Addressing concerns about invasive species
Logistics: Transporting and releasing the fish
Pilot results: Increased yields and income
Scaling up and cultural fit in Senegal
Outro, credits, and final sponsors
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