System of rice intensification: Empowering farmers to work with nature to achieve productive, resilient and climate-neutral farming systems in rice-based landscapes

In Chapter 5, the authors analyze the role of agroecological-based climate-smart rice farming systems with focus on system of rice intensification (SRI) in climate adaptation and mitigation. Modern agriculture contributes significantly to climate change through methane production, with paddy rice production being a major source. However, there is the potential to reduce the negative impact through SRI. At the same time, the SRI intervention can increase yield by encouraging aerobic soil conditions, improving soil health and stimulating root systems. The chapter provides a conceptual framework for optimizing the management of ecosystem goods and services reflected in the biodiversity contained in healthy rice paddy fields. It describes existing successful examples of rural communities empowered to appreciate and responsibly manage rice production landscapes and their in situ biodiversity.