Moussa Ndiaye, an 80-year-old rice farmer in northern Senegal, is seeing promising results from a new pilot project that introduces fish into rice fields. This initiative, which involves more than 40 farmers from various villages, aims to tackle schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease spread through contact with infected freshwater snails, while also boosting rice production. The village of Lampsar, near the border with Mauritania along the Senegal River, is part of this effort. Traditionally, the region has focused on river-related activities, but fish have not typically been raised in rice fields before. Schistosomiasis is a significant health issue in the region. The disease is caused by parasitic worms that live in the blood vessels of humans, and it is transmitted through contact with water infested with infected snails. According to the World Health Organization, over 250 million people in 2024 needed treatment for the disease, with more than 90% of cases in Africa. The illness can cause severe health problems, including damage to the intestines and urinary system, and can hinder children's education and adults' ability to work, contributing to cycles of poverty. Researchers are testing the introduction of Nile tilapia and a local fish called "ndiéguel" (Heterotis niloticus) into rice paddies. These fish help fertilize the rice with their waste and eat the snails that carry the parasites. A study published in Nature Sustainability, led by Emily Selland of the University of Notre Dame, found that this method increased rice yields by 25% and provided a net annual benefit of at least $380 per household. The presence of these predatory fish has also led to a decrease in snail populations. Local farmers have reported positive outcomes from the project. Abdoulaye Diop, a 62-year-old farmer, noted that rice fields with fish are greener and more productive due to the natural fertilizer provided by the fish’s waste. He has even expanded his farming efforts to include a sheep and poultry farm. Moussa Ndiaye, who represents the Lampsar community in the project, said the initiative is not only profitable but has also attracted interest from other farmers. His farm recently produced 20 bags of rice, each weighing 80 kilograms, along with over 350 Nile tilapia. Maï Diop, another farmer, is using the project to increase her income to support her family, as rice is a staple in her household and a key ingredient in thiéboudienne, a traditional Senegalese dish made with rice and fish. At the Gaston-Berger University in Saint-Louis, Nile tilapia and snails are being prepared for transfer to experimental rice fields managed by AfricaRice, a pan-African research center focused on improving rice production. The goal is to study the effects of the fish in a controlled setting and possibly expand the initiative to other African countries. Ali Ibrahim, representing AfricaRice's Sahel Regional Station, expressed hope that the project could be replicated across the continent once the results are confirmed.