What question did this study set out to answer?

To analyze the impact of rice–fish integration on productivity, profitability, and household welfare among smallholder farmers.

January 6, 2026Open Access

Rice–Fish Integration as a Pathway to Sustainable Livelihoods Among Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from DPSIR-Informed Analysis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Key Points

To analyze the impact of rice–fish integration on productivity, profitability, and household welfare among smallholder farmers.
Mixed-methods panel study conducted over three years (2021-2023) in Kebbi State, Nigeria.
228 households surveyed across three communities.
Descriptive statistics, regression models, and thematic analyses were utilized.
96.1% of farmers reported increased income after adopting rice–fish systems.
56.3% improved food security and 30.6% greater dietary diversity were observed.
Access to land and affordable labor positively influenced gains in healthcare, education, and social status.

Abstract

Smallholder rice farmers in sub-Saharan Africa face persistent livelihood challenges due to declining returns from monocropping, limited diversification opportunities, and vulnerability to climate and market shocks. This study integrated the Drivers–Pressures–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework with the sustainable livelihood approach to evaluate how the transition from rice monocropping to integrated rice–fish farming influences productivity, profitability, and household welfare in Nigeria’s leading rice-producing region. Using a mixed-methods, three-year panel (2021–2023) of 228 households across three communities in Kebbi State, descriptive statistics, regression models, and thematic analyses were combined to assess changes in livelihood capitals, system pressures, and response mechanisms. Adoption of rice–fish systems was associated with substantial improvements: 96.1% of farmers reported increased income, 56.3% improved food security, and 30.6% greater dietary diversity. Regression analyses confirmed that access to more land (p < 0.001 for healthcare and education; p = 0.011 for social status), labor affordability (p < 0.001), and farm size (p < 0.05) were consistent predictors of gains in healthcare, education, and social status, while pesticide and herbicide use negatively affected food access and wellbeing (p < 0.05). The DPSIR assessment revealed that rice–fish integration altered the state of rice production systems through reductions in input-related pressures and generated positive livelihood impacts. The results align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, sustainable production, and biodiversity conservation, and provide the first large-scale, longitudinal evidence from West Africa that integrated rice–fish systems support food security, income diversification, and sustainable resource management.

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