Plizio Visual Lab

Office du Niger rice fields

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The Office du Niger, located in the Ségou Region, is one of the largest and most ambitious irrigation schemes in Sub-Saharan Africa. Initiated in 1932 during the French colonial era by engineer Emile Bélime, the project was designed to harness the waters of the Niger River for the large-scale cultivation of cotton and rice. At the heart of the system lies the Markala Dam, which diverts water into an extensive network of canals serving tens of thousands of hectares of fertile land. While the original focus on cotton eventually shifted toward rice production, the Office du Niger has become Mali's primary breadbasket, crucial for the nation's food security. The vast stretches of emerald-green rice paddies create a striking visual contrast with the surrounding semi-arid landscape, illustrating the transformative power of hydraulic engineering in the Sahel. The project supports the livelihoods of thousands of farming families and remains a vital engine for the regional economy. Today, modernizing infrastructure and ensuring sustainable water management are key priorities for its ongoing success.

Location: Mali
Nearby: Diabaly (10 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	22	26	30	33	35	33	29	27	28	29	27	23
Rain mm	0	0	0	4	19	64	147	198	94	17	1	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The rice fields of the Office du Niger are one of Africa's largest irrigation systems, a model for agricultural development in the Sahel. They produce much of Mali's rice.

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Visiting

The rice fields are clearly visible from the roads, especially along the main canals. For a closer look, visitors should book a guided tour that provides access to the irrigation infrastructure.

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Where to view it

From the road between Segou and Niono, an endless green mosaic of rice fields stretches to the horizon. Observation points at the sluices offer a good overview of the canal system.

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Local products

The main product is rice, sold in sacks or bulk at local markets. Fish is also caught in the canals, and vegetables and fruits are grown along the fields.

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Active season

The main growing season is during the rainy season from June to October, but rice is also grown in the dry season through irrigation. Sowing in January and harvesting in April are also important periods.

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Nearby

A visit to the rice fields can be combined with the town of Segou on the Niger, traditional fishing villages, and the ancient city of Djenné. Bani National Park is also worth a trip.