Combined socio-economic and agronomic surveys were conducted during two growing seasons with 20 rice (Orgyza sativa) farmers in the irrigation scheme of Guédé, northern Senegal. Farmers' knowledge of recommended cropping practices was relatively poor. The surveys identified sub-optimal timing of N fertilizer application and late harvesting as major constraints. Before the start of the second season, farmers were given field-specific recommendations on timing of key crop-management interventions. Average yield compared with the first season increased by more than 1 t ha−1, which was attributed to a slightly higher recovery efficiency of fertilizer N (REN) (average: 0.47 kg crop N kg−1 fertilizer N), a change in cultivars used (resulting in a better uptake of indigenous soil N) and more favourable weather conditions in general. It is concluded that if farmers are given better access to information, improved rice technologies, inputs and decision making, rice production on irrigated land in West Africa may leap forward rapidly, as potential production gains are still large.