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Browsing Project Reports by Author "Bindraban, Prem S."

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    Baseline Study on Fertilizer Use and Food Nutrition Security in the Sudan Savannah, Guinea Savannah, and Trasitional Zones of Ghana
    (2021) William Adzawla ; Isaac N. Kissiedu; Edward Martey; Prince M. Etwire; Williams K. Atakora; Amadou Gouzaye; Bindraban, Prem S.
    Smallholder farmers play a significant role in ensuring the food security of China. With current productivity shortfalls, improving crop yields is a major concern to many agricultural stakeholders. The challenges to productivity improvement may be enormous, as it requires an integrated approach. However, declining soil fertility remains a key issue. The Government of Ghana (GoG) over the years has rolled out various fertilizer subsidy programs to enhance the use of inorganic and organic fertilizers. Yet according to the tenet of the FERARI program, the widespread adoption of appropriate fertilizers requires a transformation of the fertilizer sector and food systems that must be driven by evidence-based agro-technical perspectives. Therefore, baseline information on farming in the Transitional and Guinea Savannah zones of Ghana was collected from 1,450 farmers. Objectively, this report provides information on the farmers and farm characteristics, fertilizer use and crop responses, food security, and poverty in the study regions. The study established that access to institutional inputs, such as credit and extension services, was low among the farmers. Most of the farmers cultivated no more than 2 hectares (ha) of land area, with more area allocated to maize than to rice and soybean. There was low adoption of integrated agronomic practices by the farmers, which may have implications for their farm yields. Contrary to the subsistence connotation with smallholders, many farmers in this study cultivating maize, rice, and soybean sell their produce rather than using it directly for home consumption. However, concems over market and prices remain crucial for the commercialization of agriculture. About 80% of the farmers used at least one type of fertilizer during the 2019 production season. The main fertilizers used by the farmers were NPK 15-15-15, urea, and ammonium sulfate (AS). NKP 15-20-20+0.7Zn was also used by about one-fifth of the farmers and was promoted under the GoG's flagship Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program. A lack of funds, coupled with low credit access, was the major challenge to fertilizer use by the farmers. The intensity of fertilizer use was influenced by several factors, particularly extension access, credit access, Poverty Probability Index (PPI), labor, perception of soil fertility, and region. Farmers indicated their desire for fertilizer and other production-related information through information and communication technology (ICT), such as SMS, social media (WhatsApp), and direct phone calls. • The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was an average of 7.6 in a range of 1-12, which represents moderate dietary diversity for the majority of the farmers. Dietary diversity highest in Inner East Region and lower in North East Region According the which represents moderate dietary diversity for the majority of the farmers. Dietary diversity was highest in Upper East Region and lowest in North East Region. According to the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) index, about 18% of the farming households were severely or moderately food insecure. To cope with food insecurity, farmers relied on lower quality foods or less preferred foods. The use of fertilizer led to positive impacts on maize, rice, and soybean yields. Although there were lower fertilizer application rates than recommended and regional disparities in the impacts of fertilizer on yields, it was generally observed that there were differences in yield for NPK combined with S and NPK combined with Zn. However, there is the need to further evaluate these yield difference under a controlled trial, in which the application rate of both fertilizer formulations can be better studied. • Overall, yield increase due to fertilizer use was low at only around 5-10 kilograms (kg) of maize grain per kilogram of N applied, compared to 40 kg of grain per kilogram of N applied in developed nations. Similar low responses hold for other nutrients, suggesting other factors depress yield more heavily than fertilizer use. . Although farmers who use fertilizers indicate their importance for increasing yield, no difference in HFIAS was observed between farmers that used fertilizers and those that did not. There was no significant difference in yield between farmers who purchased fertilizers at subsidized prices and those who purchased at commercial prices, Farmers who broadcast fertilizer had lower yields for all crops than those who did not. Also, farmers who indicated applying the recommended fertilizer type at the right time has higher yields than those who did not. Maize farmers who applied fertilizer at the recommended rate had higher yields than those who did not, which was not the case for rice and soybean farmers. The average annual income of the sampled farmers was GHS 6,597 compared with an average household food expenditure of GHS 6,915. The major source of income for many households was farm income. Therefore, improving the farm returns of the farmers would mean that their standard of living would be improved. The results provide a set of indicators for monitoring under the FERARI program. These include farm productivity (crop area, crop yields, and farm income), farm output handling (access to market, sales, and consumption volumes), production factors (fertilizers, improved seeds, labor use and labor productivity, and integrated agricultural practices), food security and poverty (HFIAS, HDDS, and poverty levels), and information and support (access to extension services, credit, and subsidized inputs [particularly fertilizer].
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    Cost components in the Fertilizer Value Chain and Implications for Accessibility by Farmers in Ghana
    (2020-10) N. Odionye; S. Dittoh; Laamari Abdelali; William Adzawla; I. Koffi; E. Afimia; Williams K. Atakora; Martin Jemo; Bindraban, Prem S.
    In this policy brief, we delve into the intricacies of the fertilizer value chain in Ghana, particularly its cost components, and their implications for farmers' accessibility. The analysis focuses on the transformative impact of the Planting for Food and Jobs Program (PFJ) and the Fertilizer Subsidy Program (FSP), both initiatives by Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). These programs have substantially increased fertilizer consumption by offering subsidies on fertilizer prices. However, our study reveals a critical issue – non-competitive margins within the value chain that may obstruct accessibility, especially for farmers in remote areas. The research demonstrates how PFJ's fertilizer quota system has reshaped the landscape by boosting the number of fertilizer importers and turning certain distributors in Tamale into importers, thereby establishing Tamale as a major fertilizer distribution hub. Nevertheless, the FSP's approach appears to create disparities in profit margins, with importers benefiting while distributors and retailers grapple with negative margins, potentially leading to financial challenges. Additionally, the study uncovers weak fertilizer price transmission across various regions, indicating market inefficiencies that hinder farmers' access to affordable fertilizers. To tackle these economic challenges, we propose several solutions. Firstly, we recommend an inclusive subsidy negotiation process involving multiple stakeholders to ensure equitable cost distribution throughout the last mile of fertilizer delivery. Secondly, a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the FSP could identify alternative investments with higher returns and broader social impacts, helping policymakers make informed decisions. Thirdly, implementing an in-country fertilizer subsidy credit scheme, aligned with the Abuja Declaration, could grant value chain actors access to low-interest loans, stimulating economies of scale and encouraging private sector participation. Finally, there's a need to explore the feasibility of retailers and distributors providing microcredit in the form of inputs to farmers, potentially alleviating the farm input challenge and enhancing commodity market access. By addressing these challenges and adopting these recommendations, Ghana can optimize its fertilizer distribution system, enhance farmer accessibility, and improve the overall effectiveness of its agricultural subsidy programs.
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    Crop Yield and Fertilizer Use among farmers in Guinea Savannnah and Transitional Zones of Ghana
    (2021) William Adzawla; Williams K. Atakora; Amadou Gouzaye; Bindraban, Prem S.
    To establish the farm yields beyond recall surveys, we sampled 160 farmer fields in the Guinea Savannah and Transitional zones of Ghana to (1) determine the farm yields for maize, rice, and soybean and (2) conduct a socioeconomic survey of the farmers and their farm activities. The major highlights from the findings include the following: Most farmers indicated that capital (income available for farming), rather than labor (family or hired labor) or time (farmer's own labor hours), was the most limiting production resource, with sufficient labor and time adequate for cultivating their crops. The use of fertilizer was absent among soybean farmers but high among maize and rice farmers. The major fertilizers used for maize and rice production were NPK 15-15-15, urea, and NPK 23-10-10+2MgO+3S+0.3Zn. Farmers did not generally use the recommended fertilizer application rates. Depending on the fertilizer type used, maize yield averaged 2.6-3.2 mt/ha, rice averaged 2.1-3.4 mt/ha, and soybean averaged 1.4 mt/ha. From the farmers' perspective, the major reasons for the existing yield gaps were labor, rainfall, and declining soil fertility. Most farmers also had faced production risks, including those related to health, environment, logistics and infrastructure, and finance and markets. A total of 1,566, 921, and 931 man hours were used for the entire production season per hectare of rice, maize, and soybean, respectively. The farmers indicted concerns over labor unavailability and its cost, and these resulted in the use of less labor than required for all farm activities. • Rice production, especially planting and harvesting activities, was more labor intensive than maize and soybean production. For these activities (planting and harvesting), more female laborers were used on the rice farms than male laborers. Farmers engaged in crop farming more as business rather than as subsistence. This high degree of commercialization creates opportunities to engage with input and output market actors more firmly.
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    Determination of Fertilizer Cost Components and Their Effect on Fertilizer Prices and the Fertilizer Value Chain in Ghana
    (2020-12) N. Odionye; D. Saa; Laamari Abdelali; William Adzawla; I. Koffi ; E. Afimia; Williams K. Atakora; Martin Jemo; Bindraban, Prem S.
    Fertilizer is a major input for crop production, especially in nutrient-depleted soils. In Ghana, consumption of fertilizers has been relatively low due to high prices, which has prompted the introduction of fertilizer subsidy programs to induce consumption and increase agricultural productivity. However, the externality effect of the subsidy program is eroding the profitability of the fertilizer sector downstream, especially the commercial fertilizer market, as margins are insufficient to encourage the expansion of retail distribution networks to remote agrarian communities. These externalities could compromise the gains made by the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program of the Government of Ghana (GoG). This study establishes margins and profitability of value chain actors in the wake of the PFJ. A total of 394 respondents, comprising 153 agro-dealers (106 retailers, 42 distributors, and five importers) and 241 farmers, were interviewed through the aid of a questionnaire. Cointegration analyses were used to investigate price transmission within markets, while a vector auto regression (VAR) model was used to determine the relationship between subsidized and commercial fertilizers (NPK 15:15:15 and urea) for the period 2012-2019. The results revealed weak market efficiency within the fertilizer markets investigated in Ghana while also establishing that prevailing prices of subsidized fertilizers influence the subsequent prices of commercial fertilizers for the period investigated. Furthermore, value chain cost and margin breakdown revealed fertilizer importers had a net positive margin (6.24%) when all costs were factored in, while distributors and retailers had net margins of -17.19% and -15.13%, respectively, for commercial urea. Farmers had the highest transportation cost (3 GH₵ per 50-kg bag) associated with the purchase of fertilizers, as a result of the poor fertilizer distribution network in Ghana. The report concludes with several recommendations, such as an inclusive subsidy negotiation and more research and development to address the identified externalities
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    Does Fertilizer Use Affect Maize Yields in Ghana?
    (2021-09) William Adzawla; Williams K. Atakora; Amadou Gouzaye; Bindraban, Prem S.; Hamdiyah Alhassan
    In Ghana, the continuous cultivation of farmland has led to the depletion of soil nutrients, resulting in declining crop yields and posing threats to food security. This policy brief explores the impact of fertilizer use on maize yields in Ghana and assesses nutrient use efficiency among farmers in different agroecological zones. The study reveals that while farmers using fertilizers achieved higher maize yields than non-users, the overall agronomic efficiency of fertilizer use remained low. Factors such as nutrient formulation, socioeconomic characteristics, and fertilizer cost play crucial roles in determining efficiency. The findings underscore the need for more effective nutrient management strategies, optimal fertilizer pricing, and policy integration to improve food security and sustainability in Ghana's agriculture sector.
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    Evaluation and Geospatial Analysis of Variability in Maize Yield Response to Fertilizer (NPK) Using Modeling in Ghana
    (2021) Anselme K. K. Kouame; Bindraban, Prem S.; Isaac N. Kissiedu; Khalil El Mejahed; Williams K. Atakora
    Maize is the main cereal crop in Ghana. However, yields are very low (around 1-1.5 mona), and despite the increase in fertilizer application per hectare (21-22 kg/ha), there are large differences in yields in on-farm and on-station trials. Maize production is hampered by several biotic and abiotic factors that negatively impact its yield response to fertilizer application. Therefore, we sought to understand why, despite fertilizer application, maize yields do not increase consistently over space and time and what major factors explain this variability. To answer this question, we chose a yield-modeling approach based on yield data from on-farm and on-station trials. Quantitative Evaluation of Fertility of Tropical Soils (QUEFTS) and Multiple Linear Regression-Akaike Information Criterion (MLR-AIC) models were used to evaluate observed yield variability, while random forest for spatial predictions framework modeling was used for geospatial analysis and mapping of yield predicted. The QUEFTS model cannot significantly explain yield variability at the station and farm level (R-12% and R-24.6%, respectively). MLR showed that soil physical properties explained more of the yield variability (R-24%) at the station level than environmental parameters (R²=8%), with chemical soil properties explaining the highest fraction (R-41%). At the farm level, environmental covariates (R2-26%) explained more variability in yield response than physical (R-21%) and soil chemical (R-16%) variables. Detailed regression analysis revealed that high temperature and high rainfall combined with shallow rooting depth (<50 cm) were determinants that reduced the effectiveness of fertilizer application. Understanding the yield variability observed in Ghana for better fertilizer recommendations must be done comprehensively because yield variability is the result of the interaction and combination of several covariates. Other covariates, such as management, pest and diseases, and solar radiation, must be considered in further modeling analysis
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    Ferari Research Demonstrates Addition of Sulphur to NPK Increases Maize Yields in Ghana
    (2023-07) Bindraban, Prem S.; Williams K. Atakora; William Adzawla; Anselme K. K. Kouame; Michael Asante; Vincent Kodjo Avornyo; Mohamed El Gharous ; Raphael Adu-Gyamfi ; Akua Foriwaa Kwarteng; Patrick Ofori; Hulda Sakyi
    This study, conducted by FERARI examines the impact of sulfur addition to NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) fertilizers on maize yields in Ghana. Over a span of three years, from 2020 to 2022, FERARI conducted more than 400 experiments on maize, soybean, and rice, collaborating with Ghanaian universities and research institutions while simultaneously providing training to students. In 2023, FERARI is in the process of validating its preliminary fertilizer recommendations based on three years of field data and legacy data from national research institutes and universities, which include over 1,000 experimental observations on maize. The experiments conducted in 2020 aimed to verify recommended NPK rates and assess the impact of additional nutrients such as zinc (Zn), sulfur (S), and iron (Fe) on crop yields. In 2021, FERARI introduced briquette technology alongside the 2020 experimental designs. Experimental sites in 2020 and 2021 were selected based on recommendations from researchers of partner institutions, encompassing on-station, on-farm, and farmer-managed experiments. In contrast, the site selection for experiments in 2022 and 2023 was based on a combination of soil properties, including organic matter content, soil depth, pH levels, and slope of the land. This approach allowed FERARI to establish experiments that accounted for the heterogeneity in soil properties and to understand the impact of fertilizer formulations on crop yields in the Guinea Savannah and Transitional zones of Ghana. The study findings indicate that optimal maize yields of around 5-7 tons per hectare can be achieved with NPK application rates somewhat below the current national recommendations. The application of sulfur in addition to NPK demonstrated a positive impact on maize yields, particularly in the Transitional Zone and Guinea Savannah. FERARI's research underscores the potential to improve maize production in Ghana, especially in the northern regions, by optimizing fertilizer application, enhancing soil quality, and addressing yield gaps. The program's efforts hold the promise of increasing maize production, improving smallholder farmer income, and advancing food security in the region
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    Fertilizer Use Among Maize Farmers in Guinea Savannah Zone of Ghana: The Role of Topdressing Fertilizer
    (2022-08) William Adzawla; Bindraban, Prem S.; Williams K. Atakora; Amadou Gouzaye; Oumou Camara ; Richmond Dogbe
    Soil fertility management is key to improving crop yields and achieving food and nutritional security in Ghana. The sustainable use of inorganic fertilizers is therefore critical. The sharp rise in international fertilizer prices during the last quarter of 2021 has been a major drawback for fertilizer use at the local level. This has created a supply deficit of urea fertilizer in Ghana. As a stopgap, the Government of Ghana introduced ammonium sulfate into its subsidy program, even though the fertilizer is known for its acidification effects. This study evaluates the yields of farmers based on the fertilizer used for topdressing. A total of 369 farmers were interviewed, and physical yield cuts were done on 187 farms. The following are the major highlights of the study: • Most of the farmers had access to extension services and reported positive returns on their yields. Less than half of the farmers (42%) belonged to a farmer-based organization (FBO). Although credit requests were low among farmers, credit access, especially in cash form, was high. Maize was largely cultivated under personal or family land tenure systems and, on average, 2.3 kilometers (km) away from the farmers’ residence. Typical of northern Ghana, the cultivated lands were mostly flat. Most of the farmers hired tractor services in their land preparation. Nearly three-quarters of the farms were small-scale, with less than 2 hectares (ha) of cultivated land. • Nearly four in every five farmers used preemergence weedicide. Only about 2% of the sampled farmers controlled weeds exclusively through manual weeding. About 57%, 18%, 15%, 6%, and 5% of the farmers used their own saved seeds, seeds bought from input shops, Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA)-approved seeds, seeds from research institutions, and seeds obtained on the open market, respectively. Most farmers (63.4%) planted maize in July and harvested in October or November. The level of germination varied based on the source of seed, and except for those who used seeds bought from research institutions, farmers had to practice refilling to improve the plant density on their farms. From the data, more farmers who bought seeds from research institutions recorded higher yields than those using their own seeds; this claim was supported by the estimated yield. • The major fertilizers used by maize farmers were NPK 15-15-15, NPK 23-10-5+2MgO+3S+0.3Zn, and ammonium sulfate. On average, a farmer applied 254.1 kg/ha of fertilizer to maize. About 34%, 25%, and 10% of the sampled farmers used ammonium sulfate, NPK compound or blend, and urea fertilizers for topdressing, respectively. Farmers applied their basal fertilizers within two to three-and-a-half weeks after planting and topdressing between four to seven-and-a-half weeks after basal fertilizer application. Most of the farmers, especially those using ammonium sulfate, bought their topdressing fertilizers at commercial price. Most farmers (89%) indicated that the use of fertilizer had improved their yields, and 83% indicated the increase in yield compensated for the cost of fertilizers used in maize production. Farmers adopted complementary good agronomic practices (GAPs), and generally, more than half (50%) practiced row planting, planting at recommended spacing, timely weed control, and use of preemergence weedicide; about 48% planted improved seed varieties; and less than 15% practiced minimum tillage, mulching, and use of organic fertilizers. • The yield level from the 187 harvested (yield cut) farms ranged between 0.6 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) to 5.2 mt/ha, and the average yield was 2.7 mt/ha. The yield level varied based on regional location and the type of fertilizer used for topdressing. 2 ✓ In the North East Region, the average yield was 2.3 mt/ha. It was highest for farmers who used NPK fertilizers (2.5 mt/ha) for topdressing and lowest for farmers who used ammonium sulfate for topdressing (2.1 mt/ha). ✓ In the Northern Region, the average yield was 2.5 mt/ha. It was highest for farmers who used urea (2.8 mt/ha) for topdressing and lowest for those who used NPK compound or blended fertilizer (2.3 mt/ha) for topdressing. ✓ In the Upper West Region, the average yield was 3.1 mt/ha. It was highest for farmers who did not do topdressing (3.3 mt/ha) and lowest for farmers who used ammonium sulfate for topdressing (3.0 mt/ha). ✓ Small-scale farmers had an average yield of 2.7 mt/ha, while medium/large-scale farmers had an average yield of 2.9 mt/ha, although the former used more fertilizer (277.4 kg/ha) than the latter (200.2 kg/ha). • Regarding the source of seed planted, farmers who used seeds from research institutions had the highest average yield of 3.2 mt/ha and farmers who used their own saved seeds or seeds from MoFA had the lowest average yield of 2.6 mt/ha. Regarding GAPs, farmers who did mulching or minimum tillage had significantly higher yields than farmers who did not. • The fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) among the farmers averaged 14.8 kg of grain/kg of fertilizer. There were, however, variations based on the socioeconomic characteristics and GAPs adopted by the farmers. Most importantly, own land cultivation, medium/large-scale cultivation, cultivation of farmlands closer to homes, and mulching improved FUE. • In addition to the promotion of fertilizer use under the subsidy program, farmers must be continuously sensitized or trained on GAPs, particularly mulching, for sustainable maize production
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    Fertilizer use and yields of maize, rice, and soybean farmers in Ghana
    (2021-07) William Adzawla; Isaac N. Kissiedu; Edward Martey; Prince M. Etwire ; Williams K. Atakora; Amadou Gouzaye; Bindraban, Prem S.
    The material provides insights into the FERARI program, focusing on fertilizer research and responsible implementation in Ghana's Guinea, Sudan, and Transitional agroecological zones. It addresses the critical issue of low fertilizer use in Ghana, averaging 20 kilograms per hectare, resulting in suboptimal crop yields, especially for maize, rice, and soybean. FERARI program aims to enhance the understanding of current fertilizer use and its impact on crop yields among farmers. A baseline study in 2020, involving 1,450 farmers, revealed that 80.5% of farmers used fertilizer during the 2019 cropping season. While many adhered to recommended nutrient management practices, less than half applied fertilizer at the recommended rate, primarily due to inadequate capital. The publication further discusses the types and quantities of fertilizers used for maize, rice, and soybean crops and the challenges hindering fertilizer access and use, including limited credit, inadequate extension services, and concerns about fertilizer quality. Motivational factors for fertilizer use are explored, with a focus on improving crop yields and health. Crop yield data reveal that farmers' yields remain far below their potential, especially without fertilizer use. Different fertilizer formulations showed varying effects on crop yields, with NPK with S proving to be more effective than NPK with Zn. The study concludes that promoting good agronomic practices and developing more appropriate fertilizer products are essential for sustainable fertilizer use in Ghana. Additionally, policy recommendations should address these findings to improve crop production and food security in the region.
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    Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Economic Viability of Fertilizer Use by Farmers in Ghana
    (2023-08) William Adzawla; E.D. Setsoafia; Solomon Amoabeng-Nimako; B. Kwesie; Williams K. Atakora ; Oumou Camara; Martin Jemo; Bindraban, Prem S.
    Maize, a crucial staple food in Ghana, plays a pivotal role in achieving food security and poverty alleviation. Various fertilizer subsidy programs since 2008 aimed to boost maize production. However, disruptions in fertilizer markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts have led to increased prices. This policy brief examines the efficiency and economic viability of fertilizer use in Ghana, considering evidence of low profitability in other African countries. The Fertilizer Research and Responsible Implementation (FERARI) program is referenced, emphasizing both agronomic effectiveness and economic viability. Analysis involves agronomic efficiency (AE), value-cost ratio (VCR), and resource use efficiency (RUE). Results highlight challenges, including overutilization of fertilizers, rising prices, and the need for improved practices to enhance economic viability. The policy implications underscore the importance of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices, reduced application rates, and addressing market conditions to ensure sustainable and economically viable fertilizer use.
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    Identifying factors that drive Yield Response of Maize to NPK Fertilization
    (2021-08) Anselme K. K. Kouame; Bindraban, Prem S.; Isaac N. Kissiedu; Khalil El Mejahed; Williams K. Atakora
    The yield response of maize to NPK fertilizer application in Ghana exhibits significant variability across different agroecological zones. This study, conducted by FERARI, utilizes advanced modeling and statistical methods to investigate the factors influencing these diverse yield responses. The analysis draws upon a comprehensive dataset comprising nearly 1,700 data points from both on-farm and on-station trials. Despite the substantial increase in fertilizer use in recent decades, maize yields have only seen modest improvements. This research builds upon a previous study by Buah et al. (2020) and seeks to address the critical question of why maize yield responses to fertilizer applications vary significantly. To understand this variability, two modeling approaches, Quantitative Evaluation of Fertility of Tropical Soil (QUEFTS) and Akaike Information Criterion in Multiple Linear Regression (AIC-MLR), were employed. QUEFTS, which focuses on soil fertility characteristics, explained 24.6% of yield variability in on-farm trials and 12% in on-station trials. AIC-MLR, which considers a broader range of factors including soil physical characteristics and climatic variables, provided a more comprehensive understanding, explaining 50% of yield variability. Soil physical factors accounted for 25% of variability, environmental factors 10%, and chemical soil fertility characteristics 33% in on-station trials, while environmental factors were more influential than physical and chemical factors in on-farm trials. Interestingly, the study revealed that fertilizer application increased both maize yield and yield stability. This information is particularly valuable for improving farming practices and increasing agricultural productivity in Ghana. In conclusion, this research highlights the need to consider not only soil fertility but also soil physical characteristics, climatic factors, and other variables when studying the impact of fertilizers on maize yield. The findings also underscore the potential impact of climate change on maize production in Ghana, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors in agricultural planning and policy development.
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    Maize Responses to Fertilizers in Ghana
    (2020) Bindraban, Prem S.; Bua, S.; Elmejahad, K.; Dilys Maccarthy; Adogoba, D.S.; Isaac N. Kissiedu; Williams K. Atakora ; Fosu, M.
    This policy brief presents the findings of a comprehensive study conducted in Ghana to determine the fertilizer yield responses for maize in the rainfed production system. The aim of the study was to provide site-specific fertilizer recommendations that would enhance crop yield responses. The research analyzed experimental trial results from nearly 1,700 data points across various agroecological zones in Ghana, considering different fertilizer treatments. The findings revealed that current fertilizer use in Ghana is low, significantly impacting maize yields. The study demonstrated that a combination of 60-130 kg N ha–1, 60 kg P2O5 ha–1, and 20-60 kg K2O ha–1 resulted in the highest yields, ranging from 5 to 7 tons per hectare. Additionally, the research highlighted the importance of sulfur (S) in enhancing maize yields, indicating that NPK treatment in combination with S tended to produce higher average yields compared to NPK alone. The study also emphasized the need for differentiated fertilizer recommendations based on the varying yield responses observed within and between agroecological zones. Furthermore, it recommended the integration of micronutrients into fertilizer research programs to assess their response and determine appropriate application rates. Given the significant findings on sulfur fertilization, the policy brief suggests that the government should support further research to establish precise recommendations for the source, rate, timing, and placement of S fertilizers for specific sites. By implementing these recommendations, Ghana can enhance maize yields and address the persistent yield gap, contributing to increased food security and self-sufficiency.
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    Poverty and Food and Nutritional Security among Farm Households in Ghana
    (2021-05) William Adzawla; Isaac N. Kissiedu; Edward Martey; Prince M. Etwire ; Williams K. Atakora; Amadou Gouzaye; Bindraban, Prem S.
    This publication focuses on the intersection of poverty, food, and nutritional security among farm households in Ghana, particularly in the Guinea, Sudan, and Transitional zones. Despite Ghana's progress in reducing poverty and food insecurity, significant disparities persist across regions. The study utilizes data from the FERARI program, which assessed baseline conditions through metrics such as the Poverty Probability Index (PPI), food consumption expenditure, Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), and Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) among 1,450 farm households across eight regions. The research reveals the critical role of farmers in the food and nutrition security of the nation, with increased agricultural productivity being a primary means to alleviate poverty and food insecurity. Key findings include the moderate to high food security and poverty prevalence among surveyed households. Household Dietary Diversity Scores (HDDS) reflect the diversity of diets, varying significantly by region and district. Families generally adopt coping strategies such as consuming less expensive and lower-quality foods to mitigate food insecurity. Food consumption expenditure data show that households spend significantly on food, with notable regional variations. The Poverty Probability Index (PPI) indicates a substantial likelihood of poverty among farm households, with varying rates across regions and districts. In conclusion, the study underscores the persistent challenges of food security and poverty in the surveyed areas, particularly in the North East Region and East Mamprusi District. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance the well-being of Ghanaian farm households, with the FERARI program striving to support national efforts in this regard.
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    Power Dynamics and Scaling Potential of the Proposed Ghana Fertilizer Platform
    (2021) Diene, P.P. ; Bindraban, Prem S.; Laamari Abdelali; William Adzawla; Y. Iddrisu; Williams K. Atakora
    The fertilizer sector plays a major role in crop production. The organization and structuring of the sector is vital to sustaining food systems and shrinking the level of food insecurity. To tackle challenges in the fertilizer value chain, the Government of Ghana aims to establish a Fertilizer Platform Ghana (FPG). This study was conducted to anticipate potential issues arising from power relations and dominance, which will be critical for the sustainability and effectiveness of the platform at scale. Data from 20 key stakeholders were gathered through interviews. Scaling analysis and stakeholder power analysis were done to generate insights from these data. The scaling analysis was used to determine the scaling potential of the FPG and the fertilizer value chain, while the stakeholder power analysis helped identify stakeholders' decision-making power and its basis. The findings revealed that the platform is scalable, but its efficiency and sustainability could be constrained by insecure funding, data credibility, value chain disorganization, lack of collaboration, and leadership. Scaling the fertilizer value chain through the FPG will highly depend on the platform's fit in the local context, private sector critical stakeholders' adoption rate, knowledge institutions' contribution to building a science-based platform, and support from the public sector and its agencies. The pace of development of the fertilizer sector is under command of the public sector, mainly due to its high influence over data and information sources and its total control of the subsidy program, which drives the fertilizer market.The study concluded that the fertilizer value chain could be scaled through the FPG by taking the pathway of a public-private partnership, empowering less powerful actors, and creating a level playing field for all stakeholders within the platform to ensure representativeness and catalyze the development of the fertilizer sector
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    Stakeholders in Ghana Discuss How a National Fertilizer Platform Could Address Fertilizer Sector Issues
    (2020-09) Bindraban, Prem S.; Williams K. Atakora ; Y. Iddrisu; Aremu, T.B.; Wheeler, R.; Patrice Annequin; Gyasi Fred; Comfort Y. Freeman
    This policy brief highlights the insights and perspectives gathered from stakeholders in Ghana during discussions on establishing a National Fertilizer Platform (NFP) and its potential to address challenges within the fertilizer sector. The stakeholder engagement involved surveys of over 36 individuals representing public and private sectors, including farmers, researchers, agro-dealers, fertilizer companies, policymakers, and regulators. The brief identifies key challenges the fertilizer sector faces along the value chain, such as the lack of crop- and soil-specific fertilizer recommendations, poor-quality fertilizer blends, bureaucratic hurdles in import permits, limited supply caused by subsidy quotas, and inadequate transportation and storage facilities. Additionally, stakeholders stressed the need to review and update policies and regulations to improve quality control and ensure an enabling environment for the fertilizer sector. Despite these challenges, stakeholders expressed optimism about the future of the fertilizer sector, recognizing the increasing demand for fertilizers in Ghana's agriculture. They emphasized the importance of a well-functioning fertilizer sector in addressing soil degradation and meeting the rising demand for food production. Stakeholders acknowledged the potential of the NFP in addressing these challenges. They outlined priority issues, including enhancing the enabling environment, improving fertilizer production quality, implementing effective subsidy programs, and ensuring improved availability, accessibility, and application of fertilizers. Overall, stakeholders supported the concept of the NFP and emphasized the need for commitment, funding, information confidentiality, and inclusive decision-making for its successful establishment and sustainability. The brief also addresses potential difficulties in trust-building, consensus-building, education, equal power distribution, and stakeholder engagement, highlighting their belief that these challenges can be overcome.
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    The Ghana Fertilizer Platform Study
    (2021) Y. Iddrisu; Bindraban, Prem S.; Williams K. Atakora; Aremu, T.B. ; Patrice Annequin; K. Kouassi; Alexander Fernando; Wheeler, R.; Gyasi Fred; Mohamed El Gharous
    This report presents outcomes of the IFDC-implemented FERARI program's Ghana Fertilizer Platform (GFP) study, which spanned the period from February 2020 to April 2021. Over the years, Ghana's fertilizer sector has witnessed development programs and initiatives attempt to attain improved livelihoods and food and nutrition security through enhanced use of quality fertilizers. Currently, the Government of Ghana (GOG) is embarking on the Ghana Fertilizer Expansion Programme (GFEP) with a five-year strategic plan (2020-2024). The GFEP seeks to galvanize stakeholder commitment and participation in the fertilizer sector sustainable growth and development agenda in the country. In this regard, FERARI undertook this study with the aim of aiding the process of establishing an effective, functional, and sustainable GFP. It is envisaged that the GFP would guarantee all sector actor representation and inclusion in Ghana's fertilizer sector growth and development agenda. The study comprised both a desk review of relevant literature and interviews with 36 fertilizer stakeholder, producing a concise description of the current fertilizer sector situation (challenges, constraints, and opportunities). It also identified and compared the different formats of successful fertilizer and other sector platforms and associations beyond fertilizers in sub-Saharan Africa and analyzed possible GFP formats. Further, it identified the relevant stakeholders required for the effective functioning of the GFP, their interests in participating, and the possible goals for the GFP. Eventually in April 2021, it entailed fertilizer stakeholder discussions at a roundtable meeting in Koforidua for 24 participants, who engaged in open discussions and brainstorming on how the GFP would function and agreed on the GFP goal and format to ensure inclusiveness, transparency. and accountability. The study revealed that evidence abounds on major fertilizer issues, such as in the law, regulations, policy, programs, the business enabling environment, and the value chain, requiring concerted stakeholder action and involvement in the form of a multi-stakeholder interactive mechanism (such as the GFP) in the Ghanaian context. Accordingly, the existence of the GFP, as endorsed by identified stakeholders, will greatly facilitate stakeholder interactions and dialogue to afford a synergy of efforts, effective fertilizer information exchange, collaboration, policy implementation, and coordination in addressing sector issues. Stakeholder discussions showed favor for a formalized and legally registered GFP, managed by a joint public and private sector leadership with inclusive stakeholder representation, clearly defined rules of engagement, and a strong secretiat for effective coordination and management. The study recommends that IFDC FERARI and partners facilitate the dissemination and discussion of this report among stakeholders to generate more awareness, understanding, and decisive actions toward the realization of the GFP. Further, GFP processes should be well-documented to allow identification of areas for further research and analysis, particularly on organizational, behavioral, and socio-economic development and management among actors of the fertilizer sector. For realization of a functional and sustainable GFP, stakeholders should pay serious attention to the roadmap that emerged from the April 2021 stakeholder roundtable discussions. The GFP should stay focused, with clearly defined constitution, financial resource mobilization, and monitoring and evaluation strategies to generate value proposition for stakeholder participation and commitment.
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    Toward Establishing a Ghana Multi-Stakeholder Fertilizer Platform: Insights from Stakeholder and Network Analysis
    (2020-09) Bindraban, Prem S.; Aremu, T.B.; Comfort Y. Freeman; Laamari Abdelali; Y. Iddrisu; Williams K. Atakora
    This publication presents the findings of a research study aimed at understanding the dynamics of stakeholders in Ghana's fertilizer value chain in preparation for establishing a multi-stakeholder platform to address challenges in the value chain. Through stakeholder and network analysis, insights were gained from 36 interviews conducted with various actors. The introduction highlights the importance of agriculture, particularly sustainable intensification, in improving food security and reducing poverty and inequality. Despite efforts to promote fertilizer use, Ghana's average fertilizer application remains low at 21 kilograms per hectare, hindering sustainable agricultural growth. To tackle this issue, a multi-stakeholder platform is proposed to bring together stakeholders in the fertilizer value chain, fostering resource-sharing and collaboration. Before establishing the platform, it is crucial to identify key stakeholders and their roles to ensure comprehensive engagement and representation. The research findings reveal that government agencies hold significant interest and power in the value chain, while private sector actors demonstrate substantial but limited ability. However, governmental bodies and research institutions lack the necessary resources, and private sector actors face financial constraints due to high collateral and interest rates. Additionally, development partners are critical in various aspects of the value chain, such as research and development, financing, and strategic support. The analysis identifies 19 essential stakeholder groups among the initial 24 identified in the fertilizer value chain. The stakeholders interviewed expressed positive attitudes toward establishing a multi-stakeholder fertilizer platform. However, opinions diverged regarding the hosting organization, with suggestions including independent organizations, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), co-hosting by the public and private sectors, farmer organizations, and civil society. Concerns about diverse interests, power imbalances, policy changes, partisanship, decision-making authority, trust, and financial limitations may affect the platform's success. Moving forward, the publication emphasizes the importance of involving the 19 essential stakeholder groups as steering members in the initial planning and design of the platform. Additional groups can be included once clear goals and objectives are established. The hosting arrangement should be carefully deliberated to ensure sustainability, favoring a semi-autonomous entity with representatives from the value chain stakeholders to prevent disruption in case of government or donor changes. Sustainable financing mechanisms, such as membership dues, are crucial for the platform's long-term viability.
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    Yield Responses of Maize to Fertilizers in Ghana
    (2020-01) Khalil El Mejahed; Bua, S.; Dilys Maccarthy; Adogoba, D.S.; Isaac N. Kissiedu ; Williams K. Atakora; Fosu, M.; Bindraban, Prem S.
    Low soil productivity is one of the key challenges limiting maize yields in Ghana. A wide yield gap exists between farm and potential yields across most of the agroecological zones (AEZs) of Ghana. Despite low soil fertility challenges, the low use of fertilizers still predominates the smallholder farming system. To improve crop performance, there is a need for integrated soil fertility management across the AEZs. This calls for site-specific fertilizer recommendations that provide all nutrients in balanced proportions as per the nutrient status of the soil. However, current fertilizer recommendations were developed decades ago and mainly focused on macronutrients (NPK). These recommendations in the current context of soil fertility are considered blanket recommendations and do not take care of site-specific crop nutrient requirements. Secondary data of experimental trials of almost 1,700 data points were used to explore maize yield responses to different fertilizer treatments across various AEZs of Ghana. Maize yield responses to fertilizers were estimated, factors explaining yields were explored, and spatial yield maps were generated. Low to very high (2-10 t ha-1 ) yield responses were observed across the AEZs. Between 60 and 130 kg N ha-1 applied in combination with 45-90 kg P2O5 and 45-90 kg K2O ha-1 gave the highest yield responses. Yield responses were even higher where sulfur was applied in combination with NPK. The dataset used did not contain many experiments with micronutrients and therefore could not allow comparisons of yield responses on this aspect. There were observed relationships of soil properties with yield under control (i.e., zero fertilizer application) treatments, though the yields of control plots against percentage of soil organic carbon (% OC), percentage of soil total nitrogen (% TN), available phosphorus (Av. P), and pH varied from low to high, irrespective of their values. This implies that soil property data give us an index of nutrient levels but it is difficult to only rely on these to arrive at fertilizer recommendations. Other factors, such as maize variety potentials in nutrient utilization, rainfall pattern, and disease occurrence should be considered as well. Apart from the impact of individual soil properties on yield, interactions between soil nutrient content and/or other soil properties could also impact crop yields