Newsletters

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    Strengthening Agro-Input Associations in West Africa
    (2013)
    This document outlines the activities and strategies of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in promoting sustainable agricultural practices through agro-input associations across West Africa and beyond. IFDC has been instrumental in supporting agro-input dealers and farmers, focusing on building the capacity of agro-input associations through training programs, workshops, and collaboration with local partners. The organization's approach includes fostering leadership, ownership, and independence within associations, while ensuring financial sustainability and member engagement. The document highlights past and ongoing projects, such as the establishment of agro-input associations and training programs for regional markets, with a focus on improving soil fertility, agricultural productivity, and food security. Additionally, IFDC emphasizes the importance of financial benefits, advocacy, communication, and education (FACE) as core services provided to association members. Through a combination of capacity building, partnerships, and targeted support, IFDC aims to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of these associations, ultimately contributing to improved agricultural practices in developing regions.
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    Renforcement des associations de distributeurs d'intrants agricoles en Afrique de l'Ouest
    (2013)
    Ce document décrit les activités et les stratégies du Centre international de développement des engrais (IFDC) dans la promotion de pratiques agricoles durables à travers des associations d'intrants agricoles en Afrique de l'Ouest et au-delà. L'IFDC a joué un rôle déterminant dans le soutien aux revendeurs d'intrants agricoles et aux agriculteurs, en se concentrant sur le renforcement des capacités des associations d'intrants agricoles à travers des programmes de formation, des ateliers et une collaboration avec des partenaires locaux. L'approche de l'organisation consiste notamment à favoriser le leadership, l'appropriation et l'indépendance au sein des associations, tout en garantissant la viabilité financière et l'engagement des membres. Le document met en lumière des projets passés et en cours, tels que la création d'associations d'intrants agricoles et de programmes de formation pour les marchés régionaux, en mettant l'accent sur l'amélioration de la fertilité des sols, de la productivité agricole et de la sécurité alimentaire. De plus, l'IFDC souligne l'importance des avantages financiers, du plaidoyer, de la communication et de l'éducation (FACE) en tant que services de base fournis aux membres de l'association. Grâce à une combinaison de renforcement des capacités, de partenariats et de soutien ciblé, l'IFDC vise à améliorer l'efficacité et la durabilité de ces associations, contribuant ainsi à l'amélioration des pratiques agricoles dans les régions en développement.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-July 2020
    (2020) IFDC
    This research focuses on analyzing the various components contributing to fertilizer pricing in Ghana, including financial, transport, handling, and storage costs. The study encompasses major agrological regions and fertilizer trade routes, investigating the entire value chain to identify costs within each stratum. Odionye aims to provide policy recommendations to enhance fertilizer availability, accessibility, and affordability. Additionally, the research examines fertilizer price transmission in seven domestic markets, evaluating the relationship between commercial and subsidized fertilizers to offer empirical evidence for policymaking. Stakeholders' perspectives on the Ghana Fertilizer Platform are highlighted, emphasizing the positive endorsement and anticipated benefits. The newsletter also outlines ongoing field trials, data collection, and analyses conducted by UM6P interns, contributing to the FERARI program's comprehensive approach to fertilizer research and responsible implementation.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-October 2020
    (2020) IFDC
    FERARI's commitment to engaging farmers is highlighted through its farmer demonstration days, aiming to reach over 2,000 farmers with 180 on-farm trials of maize, soybean, and rice. The interactions extend to brief surveys systematically capturing farmers' perceptions, enabling future activities to align with farmers' practices. The newsletter also emphasizes FERARI's collaboration with Ghanaian universities to train the next generation of scientists in the fertilizer sector. Additionally, FERARI is actively involved in establishing the Ghana Fertilizer Platform in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, addressing key issues in the fertilizer sector and value chain development. The release of initial research reports and policy briefs contributes to policy decision-making, and FERARI's participation in events like the Annual Pre-Harvest Exhibition strengthens engagement with stakeholders. Ongoing initiatives include soil sampling for chemical and hydro-physical properties, field evaluation of new fertilizer blends, and spatial analyses to identify yield gaps and estimate input needs.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter (January-March 2020)
    (2020) IFDC
    The Newsletter provides an overview of the Fertilizer Research & Responsible Implementation (FERARI) program, a collaborative effort by IFDC, OCP, and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Launched in September 2019, FERARI aims to develop an evidence-based approach to encourage the adoption of balanced fertilizers in sub-Saharan African countries, focusing on Ghana, for sustainable agricultural intensification. The program encompasses on-the-ground activities, research tracks, and multi-stakeholder engagements. The newsletter outlines key activities, achievements, and ongoing research, emphasizing the program's commitment to addressing challenges in the fertilizer sector and contributing to long-lasting impact.
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    The Effect of Fertilizer Combinations on Growth, Yield and Economics of Potato Production
    (2020)
    Despite potatoes being an important crop that contributes to food security and is a source of income for smallholder farmers, their yields remain low. Factors that contribute to low yields are poor soil fertility and low adoption of technology. PNSP aims to address these challenges. AS research conducted in the first season of 2021 aimed to tackle the challenges in soil fertility by using various fertilizer combinations to improve yields and increase the economic benefits for farmers. The objective of the research is to analyze growth and yield responses to different NPK fertilizer combinations and to evaluate the economic performance of potato production. Farmers trained by the PNSP program gave their potato fields as study sites. Twelve sites in Mbale, Kapchorwa, and Kween districts were verified, and soil samples were collected and analyzed to determine soil fertility and health. Different blends of micronutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and boron and zinc—were applied. Topdressing, harvesting, and data collection were done. NPK applications at a rate of 120 kg/ha recorded high growth and gave the maximum financial return.
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    Quarterly Newsletter/ vol.1 December 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    The Transfer Efficient Agricultural Technologies through Market Systems (TEAMS) produced MURIMI, a quarterly newsletter funded by the Swedish Embassy. TEAMS is the continuation of the Food Security through Climate Adaptation and Resilience (FAR-Mozambique) program, now implemented by a consortium of four organizations: International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), United Purpose, and Associação Kwaedza Simukai Manica (AKSM). The two-year TEAMS program, running from January 2021 to December 2022, operates through a lean management structure, focusing on Scaling Improved Smallholder Productivity, Scaling Agro-Dealer Networks, and Scaling Proven Technologies. The program employs an inclusive markets approach to enhance smallholder linkages with markets and improve farm productivity. Adapted to climate risks and COVID-19, TEAMS integrates Information and Communications Technologies for Agriculture (ICT4Ag). The MURIMI newsletter showcases the program's progress, highlighting success stories of farmers like Paulo Jossias, a vegetable seedling producer and agro-dealer Augusto Nhama, whose lives have improved significantly through the program. The newsletter also emphasizes adopting climate-smart agriculture and irrigation technologies, transforming the lives of smallholder farmers and promoting food security in Mozambique.
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    Enhancing growth through Regional Agricultural Input Systems (EnGRAIS) project for West Africa Newsletter-July-Sptember 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    This newsletter highlights the efforts of the Feed the Future Enhancing Growth through Regional Agricultural Input Systems (EnGRAIS) project in West Africa. The focus is on the assessment of fertilizer testing capacities in the region, with a particular emphasis on improving the quality of fertilizers. The EnGRAIS program successfully evaluated 43 public and private laboratories across seven West African countries, addressing challenges such as financial constraints and outdated equipment. The assessment aims to enhance the capacity of laboratories, ensuring the use of quality fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity and reduce food insecurity. Additionally, the newsletter covers the launch of the Visualizing Insights on Fertilizers for African Agriculture (VIFAA) Dashboard in Ghana, which provides real-time data on fertilizer prices and statistics. The newsletter also discusses the development of Agricultural Input Packages (AIPs) to boost agricultural output and the annual review of results and planned activities in collaboration with key regional institutions.
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    Enhancing growth through Regional Agricultural Input Systems (EnGRAIS) project for West Africa Newsletter- April-June 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    After more than a year's hiatus due to COVID-19 challenges, EnGRAIS and its partners, including WAFA and AFO, convened for an in-person meeting in June 2021. The meeting aimed to revitalize joint work plans, particularly focusing on private sector development, AIP dissemination, and fertilizer quality control. Key decisions were made to strengthen the regional fertilizer sector, with a focus on smallholder farmers. The newsletter also highlights EnGRAIS's participation in the Africa Fertilizer Conference, progress reviews, and collaborations to address challenges in the West African agricultural sector.
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    Stimuler la Croissance par les Systèmes Régionaux d’Intrants Agricoles » (EnGRAIS) en afrique de l’ouest Bulletin-Avril—Juin 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    Après plus d'un an de suspension en raison des défis liés à la COVID-19, EnGRAIS et ses partenaires, dont WAFA et AFO, se sont réunis pour une réunion en personne en juin 2021. L'objectif de la réunion était de revitaliser les plans de travail communs, en mettant particulièrement l'accent sur le développement du secteur privé, la diffusion des paquets d'intrants agricoles et le contrôle de la qualité des engrais. Des décisions clés ont été prises pour renforcer le secteur régional des engrais, en mettant l'accent sur les petits exploitants agricoles. La newsletter met également en avant la participation d'EnGRAIS à la Conférence africaine sur les engrais, les revues de progrès et les collaborations visant à relever les défis dans le secteur agricole de l'Afrique de l'Ouest.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-January 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    The Fertilizer Research and Responsible Implementation (FERARI) program, in collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS), has conducted extensive research and implemented initiatives to enhance fertilizer use, crop yields, and agricultural development in Ghana. This report presents key findings from various activities, including the distribution of New Fertilizer Blends (NFBs) under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program, surveys on NFB users and non-users, the establishment of the Fertilizer Platform Ghana (FPG), and ongoing efforts to optimize the fertilizer value chain. The PFJ program supplied NFBs tailored for cereals, legumes, and cassava during the 2019 planting season. Preliminary survey results indicate challenges faced by farmers, such as difficulty accessing fertilizers, high costs, inadequate information, and tedium in application. Meanwhile, the FPG, established with FERARI's support, has garnered widespread industry and government support. FERARI is actively engaged in supporting the Ghana Fertilizer Expansion Program (GFEP), collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). The GFEP strategic plan (2020-2024) focuses on increasing investments in fertilizer production, optimizing the value chain, improving sector development and management, and enhancing public-private investments. The program has conducted extensive on-station and on-farm trials to assess the impact of various nutrients on crop yields and quality. Preliminary analyses reveal the significance of factors like seed and fertilizer type, hired labor, and herbicide use in influencing farm yields. FERARI's demonstration efforts, including farmer field days, aim to promote good agronomic practices and disseminate information effectively. The report also highlights baseline studies on fertilizer use, crop yields, food security, and poverty in specific agroecological zones. The Master's Student Research Internship Program is contributing valuable research, covering topics ranging from the assessment of agricultural development programs to framing and discourse analysis of fertilizer sector issues. In conclusion, FERARI's multifaceted approach, encompassing research, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination, aims to contribute significantly to Ghana's agricultural transformation, with a focus on sustainable fertilizer use and responsible agricultural practices.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-October 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    The FERARI program, in collaboration with the Government of Ghana Fertilizer Expansion Program (GFEP), continues to contribute research-based evidence on improving yields for enhanced food security and poverty reduction in Ghana. FERARI's maiden research article, "Characterization of Farmers and the Effect of Fertilization on Maize Yields in the Guinea Savannah, Sudan Savannah, and Transitional Agroecological Zones of Ghana," undergoes detailed statistical analysis highlighting differences among farmers. Accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed EFB Bioeconomy Journal, the article complements policy briefs and reports. Acknowledging contributions from IFDC colleagues, FERARI emphasizes sustainable development through initiatives like the Fertilizer Platform Ghana (FPG). On-station, on-farm, and farmer-managed trials, focusing on micro- and macronutrients for maize, rice, and soybean yields, yield evidence-based information supporting discussions with research institutions and MoFA. Field days attract over 200 smallholder farmers, facilitating a tripartite dialogue on fertilizer impact. FERARI collaborates with AAMUSTED, conducting fertilizer trials and case studies on beneficiary students. Collaborating with ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, FERARI explores the impact of fertilization on grain nutritional quality, contributing to biofortification efforts. The newsletter underscores FERARI's commitment to evidence-based agriculture and collaborative partnerships for sustainable development.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-March 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    This abstract outlines the collaboration between the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI) and the Fertilizer Research and Responsible Implementation (FERARI) program in Ghana. CSIR-SRI is developing crop- and soil-specific fertilizer recommendations, with validated blends for crops like maize, rice, and soybean. FERARI supports CSIR-SRI in implementing fertilizer trials in the Forest-Savanna Transitional zone. CSIR-SRI contributes by absorbing a portion of soil and plant tissue analysis costs, while FERARI assists in capacity-building and expertise sharing. The abstract also introduces FERARI's doctoral students and their research themes, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the Ghana fertilizer value chain. The collaboration aims to improve crop yield, nutrition, and socioeconomic outcomes through research and implementation.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-June 2021
    (2021) IFDC
    The FERARI program, in collaboration with the Government of Ghana Fertilizer Expansion Program (GFEP), is actively engaged in socio-economic surveys conducted by master’s-level socioeconomic students from Ghanaian universities and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). The surveys focus on value chain actors in the agriculture sector, encompassing approximately 700 farmers and 400 stakeholders. Key areas of investigation include yield trends of maize, rice, and soybean, farmers' investment and production decisions, and marketing strategies for these crops. FERARI's commitment to establishing the Ghana Fertilizer Platform (GFP) for sustainable development in the fertilizer sector is evidenced by successful interactions with key stakeholders. Ongoing research explores issues such as framing and discourse analysis for effective communication and power relations among sector actors. FERARI also emphasizes social innovation to enhance soil fertility support.
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    Quarterly Newsletter/ vol.2 June 2022
    (2022) IFDC
    The MURIMI quarterly newsletter showcases the progress and impact of the Transfer Efficient Agricultural Technologies through Market Systems (TEAMS) program, funded by the Swedish Embassy. TEAMS is a continuation of the Food Security through Climate Adaptation and Resilience (FAR-Mozambique) project and is implemented by a consortium of four organizations in partnership with the Mozambican government. The program, from January 2021 to December 2022, focuses on three results areas: Scaling Improved Smallholder Productivity, Scaling Agro-Dealer Networks, and Scaling Proven Technologies. TEAMS employs an inclusive markets approach to enhance smallholder linkages with input and output markets, improve farm productivity, and increase access to income and nutritious foods. The newsletter features inspiring stories of beneficiaries, including Ana Maposa, a rice farmer whose life changed through climate-smart agriculture practices introduced by the program. It also highlights the successful reintegration of ex-combatants, like Fernando Mapinde, into agricultural activities. The TEAMS program empowers women farmers through savings groups, facilitating access to inputs and boosting agricultural productivity. The newsletter exemplifies the program's efforts to address climate change, enhance food security, and uplift rural communities in Sofala and Manica provinces.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-January 2022
    (2022) IFDC
    This study discusses the fertilizer research and implementation efforts of the Fertilizer Research and Responsible Implementation (FERARI) program in Ghana. FERARI conducted farmer-managed fertilizer trials and surveys to understand the impact of fertilizers on crop yield. Findings revealed challenges for the fertilizer industry, government, farmers, and researchers. FERARI addresses these issues through the Fertilizer Platform Ghana, facilitating discussions among stakeholders. The study highlights low nutrient use efficiency and the need for improved economic viability amid rising fertilizer prices. FERARI adopts new analysis methods, including crop and soil modeling, to study climate effects on crop physiology. Spatial analysis of soil properties informs trial site selection. Drones are introduced for precise data collection, aiding precision agriculture. The study addresses the impact of rising fertilizer prices on Ghana's food security and emphasizes the importance of understanding and improving fertilizer use efficiency. Capacity-building efforts include staff training for computerized data collection. The establishment of the Fertilizer Platform Ghana is a key outcome, aiming to address fertilizer sector issues collectively.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-October 2022
    (2022) IFDC
    The FERARI program has expanded its international presence by forging collaborations and participating in key agricultural events. At the AGRF in September 2022, FERARI secured an agreement with RUFORUM to support student internships, M.Sc. scholarships, and the development of a master’s-level course in Fertilizer Science and Soil Health in Ghana. FERARI's involvement in the FARA Stakeholder Consultation meeting contributed to the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA), positioning the program as a crucial case in the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan. International recognition continued with a dialogue event in the Hague, Netherlands, attended by civil servants, highlighting FERARI's approach and results. The program's future engagements include a presentation at the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) leadership event. Furthermore, FERARI played a pivotal role in establishing the Fertilizer Platform Ghana (FPG), a multi-stakeholder platform addressing fertilizer sector issues. The FPG's official launch garnered widespread support, including commitments from the National Fertilizer Council and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. FERARI's contributions extend to published research on the economic viability of smallholder agriculture and papers addressing factors influencing maize yield variability in Ghana. These initiatives underscore FERARI's commitment to international collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and sustainable agricultural development.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-April 2022
    (2022) IFDC
    The FERARI program is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of farming conditions and outcomes through a comprehensive approach. In 2021, physical yield cuts were conducted on 187 random maize farmers' fields, measuring 4 square meters each, complemented by recall surveys to gather detailed information on production practices. Challenges in the fertilizer industry, such as high urea prices and shortages in Ghana, led to government subsidies for ammonium sulfate as a top-dressing option. Farmers' average maize yield, around 2.7 metric tons per hectare, varied based on factors like region and seed source. Initial results suggest limited impact of top-dressing, including ammonium sulfate, on maize yield, with ongoing data analysis for an upcoming FERARI report. In parallel, FERARI employs machine learning for a Digital Soil Map, forming a consortium involving government bodies and research institutions, showcasing a transdisciplinary approach for nationally accepted soil mapping.
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    FERARI Quarterly Newsletter-July 2022
    (2022) IFDC
    The FERARI program is actively addressing maize yield variability through innovative approaches. A collaboration with the University of Cape Coast involves training FERARI staff in drone operations to collect farm-level images, aiming to understand and analyze causes for significant maize yield variability. This collaborative effort, endorsed by the university's vice-chancellor, emphasizes student exchange and facilitates modeling and mapping based on gathered imagery. In parallel, master’s-level student interns from the University of Ghana contribute valuable data on socioeconomic aspects, revealing disparities in fertilizer use, challenges in marketing, and the need for improved farmer-market linkages. Additionally, featured research projects highlight advancements in wheat production analysis, identification of drivers for rice and soybean yield response to fertilizer in Ghana, effective crop models for maize yield gap analysis, and agronomic practices for nutrient use efficiency and on-farm productivity enhancement.
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    HortiNigeria Newsletter- Vol 002
    (2022)
    In August, HortiNigeria hosted a youth challenge in celebration of International Youth Day, aimed at increasing awareness of the HortiNigeria program and promoting climate-smart agricultural inputs among young entrepreneurs. Participants shared videos of their farm fields on social media, highlighting innovative technologies they employ. Six winners received climate-smart agricultural inputs valued at over $1,015, provided by HortiNigeria and Solokad Multiventures Ltd. The CEO of Solokad Multiventures emphasized the transformative potential of youth in Nigeria’s agriculture sector. Winners received various tools, including transplanters, nursery trays, and motorized sprayers. One winner, Opeyemi Ajibola, shared how the challenge boosted his confidence and increased his visibility within the farming community. This initiative is part of HortiNigeria’s broader efforts to build partnerships, improve market systems, and embrace a food systems approach to agriculture. Other key activities highlighted include building partnerships to bridge demand and supply gaps, organizing a Vegetable Sourcing Mission to facilitate B2B linkages, and conducting a Climate Smart Action awareness campaign.