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Implementation of the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizers for an African Green Revolution
(2009-06-16) Maria Wanzala-Mlobela
This presentation discusses the implementation of the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizers for an African Green Revolution, focusing on the efforts to address the fertilizer crisis in Africa. The report presents an overview of the progress made at the regional and country levels, particularly in areas like harmonization of legislation, regional procurement, fertilizer production, and intra-regional trade. It also highlights the challenges faced and provides recommendations for future actions, including the need for accurate data on fertilizer consumption, improved regulation, and the establishment of the African Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM). The report emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable and market-friendly fertilizer practices to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa.
World Phosphate Rock Reserves and Resources
(2010-09) Van Kauwenbergh, S.J.
The amount of remaining.phosphate rock reserves and resources worldwide has become an issue of speculation.It has been hypothesized that phosphorus (phosphate rock) production will "peak" in 20033-2034 and then production will unavoidably decrease as the reserves are depleted Because phosphonas is one of the three elements critical to plant growth, dire consequences for world agricultural production and food security are linked to "peak phosphate." This study reviewed phosphate rock reserve and resource literature, past world reserve and resource estimates and the methodology used to perform reserve and resource estimates. The study is not a totally comprehensive analysis, it primarily focuses on the countries listed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in the Mineral Commodity Sanumaries series. The available literature was used to prepare a preliminary estimate of world reserves and resources. The literature review indicates the use of the terms "reserve" and "resource are not consistent on a worldwide basis. There is a great deal of published data available on phosphate rock deposits prior to 1990. Since then, however, there is a limited amount of detailed information on world phosphate rock reserves and resources available in conven- tional scientific literature. Useful information was located on websites, in trade magazines, papers presented at conferences and in papers or reports that have limited distribution and are generally not catalogued on commercial literature databases The search for phosphate rock deposits became a global effort in the 20th century as demand for phosphate rock increased. Development of deposits further intensified in the 1950s and 1960s. World production peaked in 1987- 1988 and then again in 2008 at over 160 million metric tons (mmt) of product. Phosphate rock mining has evolved over time and worldwide it relies on high volume and advanced technology using mainly open-pit mining methods and advanced transportation systems to move hundreds of millions of tons of overburden to produce hundreds of millions of tons of ore that are beneficiated to produce approximately 160 mmt of phosphate rock concentrate per year. Concentrate of suitable grade and chemical quality is then used to produce phosphoric acid, the basis of many fertilizer and non-fertilizer products. Previous estimates of phosphate rock reserves range from 15,000 mmt to over 1,000,000 mmt, while estimates of phosphate rock resources range from about 91.000 mmt to over 1,000,000 munt. Using the available literature, the reserves of various countries were assessed in terms of reserves of concentrate. The IFDC estimate of worldwide reserve is approximately 60,000 mmt of concentrate. The IFDC estimate of world phosphate rock resources is ap proximately 290,000 mmt. This figure includes the unprocessed ore of the IFDC reserve estimate. If estimates of potential phosphate rock resources are included, the total world resources of phosphate rock may be about 460,000 mmt. This resource estimate does not include estimates of phosphate reserves/resources from every country or known phosphate rock deposit in the world. Many countries are rather incompletely explored. In addition, there are many small phosphate deposits in the countries listed, as well as in other countries. Based on the data gathered, collated and analyzed for this report, there is no indication that a "peak phosphorus event will occur in 20-25 years. IFDC estimates of world phosphate rock reserves and resources indicate that phosphate rock of suitable quality to produce phosphoric acid will be available far into the future. Based on the data reviewed, and assuming current rates of production, phosphate rock concentrate reserves to produce fertilizer will be available for the next 300-400 years. It should be stressed that reserves are only proven or established over a planning horizon based on the amount of concentrate needed for a number of years. Reserves are not established on an infinite planning horizon. The world reserve of phosphate rock is a dynamic figure. The cost of phosphate rock is going to increase as lower-cost phosphate rock deposits are mined out and mining companies have to move more overburden, process lower grade ores, open new mines, employ increasingly expensive technology and use additional raw materials and processing media (such as water) to produce concentrates. When the price of phosphate concentrates increase, deposits that were marginally economic may become viable and new deposits will be opened. Some of these deposits may be in challenging environments and alternative mining methods will also be developed and used. The utilization of underground mining methods may become attractive in many countries if the price of phosphate rock is high enough. Vertical integration of phosphate rock mining and processing has occurred at numerous sites around the world over the past few decades Vertical integration of phosphate rock mining and processing may be a necessary component to compete in the world. phosphate fertilizer market when new deposits are developed. It must be stressed that this study contains a preliminary estimate of world reserves and resources. A collaborative effort by phosphate rock producers, government agencies, international organizations and academia will be required to make a more complete and accurate estimate of world phosphate rock reserves and resources. These stakeholders also should be involved in phosphate fertilizer production or use initiatives that may influence individual government or global economic, environmental and/or food security policies. No matter how much phosphate rock exists, it is a non-renewable resource. The amount of this resource that can be produced is based on its value to the current world agricultural system and for other uses. There should be a global effort to more effectively mine and process reserves/resources of phosphate rock and to utilize phosphate fertilizer and phosphate-containing waste as efficiently as possible, while keeping nutrients out of watersheds and the oceans. All of these efforts must be tempered and explored realizing that only those techniques or processes that are logistically, technically and economically feasible are likely to be adopted.
The Agronomic Properties of a Newly Developed Fused Ammonium Sulfate Nitrate (Sulf-N26) for Crop Production: Preliminary Results
(2011) Sen H. Chien; Upendra Singh; Gearhart, M. Mercedes
This study investigates the agronomic properties of a newly developed fused Ammonium Sulfate Nitrate (ASN) fertilizer, trademarked as "Sulf-N26," in comparison to traditional granulated ASN. The fused ASN is created through a patented fusion process by Honeywell, which eliminates issues related to explosive potential and caking associated with traditional ASN mixtures. The study aims to determine if the chemical process of fusion affects the agronomic characteristics of Sulf-N26 compared to granulated ASN, including NH3 volatilization, leaching of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S), and its effectiveness in promoting crop growth. Various N and S sources are also included in the analysis. Preliminary results indicate reduced NH3 volatilization and leaching of NH4-N and SO4-S in soils with fused ASN, making it a promising alternative for crop production. The fused ASN demonstrates comparable efficacy to granulated ASN and urea as a nitrogen source for wheat grain yield and as a sulfur source for ryegrass and canola crops.
Yield and Biofortification of Spinach and Rice using Seed‐Core Zinc Technology
(2011) Upendra Singh; Taylor Pursell; Joaquin Sanabria; Deborah T. Hellums
Zinc deficiency in staple foods, particularly cereal grains, poses a global issue, affecting both developing and developed regions. This study focuses on addressing zinc malnutrition and deficiency diseases by exploring agronomic biofortification through the use of zinc-enriched fertilizers and common crop varieties. The research demonstrates the potential for zinc core fertilizers to significantly increase zinc concentrations in plant tissues, enhancing nutrient uptake and crop yield. Preliminary results from spinach and rice experiments indicate the effectiveness of this approach. The study suggests that agronomic biofortification with zinc-core fertilizers can be a practical and cost-effective strategy to combat zinc deficiency and improve human nutrition in various regions.
Voucher Schemes for Enhanced Fertilizer Use: Lessons Learned and Policy Implications
(2012-01-25) Ian Gregory; David Rohrbach
This presentation delves into the efficacy, challenges, and policy implications of voucher schemes aimed at enhancing fertilizer use in agriculture. It scrutinizes historical perspectives, ranging from the universal application of traditional fertilizer subsidies during the Green Revolution to their subsequent pitfalls. Through case studies from various countries like Malawi, Ghana, and Tanzania, the presentation evaluates the outcomes of voucher programs in terms of poverty reduction, food security, and market development. Key considerations include clear program objectives, farmer targeting, private sector involvement, and the necessity of a minimum three-year implementation period. Lessons learned underscore the importance of holistic market development, efficient targeting, and sustainable exit strategies. The presentation concludes by discussing future directions, including the exploration of smart vouchers and ICT-based systems, alternative exit strategies, and third-party monitoring for improved management.
Access to Finance for Inclusive Agri-Business Development
(2012-06-17) Barclay O’Brien
This material provides an overview of the financial landscape and access to finance for inclusive businesses (IBs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh. The Business Innovation Facility (BIF) Bangladesh, a UKaid-funded project, aims to support IBs with profitable core business activities benefiting the poor and disadvantaged. The material discusses the role of SMEs and agriculture in poverty reduction and economic growth, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in accessing finance. It examines the economic environment, the contributions of different sectors to GDP, and the overlap between agriculture and SMEs. Access to finance is crucial for empowering people and protecting them against economic shocks, and the material explores the importance of financial inclusion. It discusses the role of the government, banks, non-bank financial institutions, microfinance institutions (MFIs), and other finance providers in lending to SMEs and agriculture. The products and services offered by banks, MFIs, equity providers, and other finance providers are also discussed. The material provides insights into the issues faced by finance providers and suggests recommendations for clients to improve their credit readiness. It emphasizes the need for coordination between finance providers and third-party assistance to support potential clients. Overall, the material highlights the importance of enhancing access to finance for SMEs and agriculture to promote inclusive growth in Bangladesh.
Multivariate and Non-Parametric Methods for Identification of Factors That Decide the Adoption of Fertilizer Use by Rwandan Farmers.
(2012-10-23) Joaquin Sanabria; Joshua Ariga; Deborah T. Hellums; Martin Drevon
The quantity of fertilizer used is a good indicator of the degree of prosperity in any country. Prior to 2008, the mean rate of fertilizer use in Rwanda was 4 kg ha-1, lower than the mean for sub-Saharan Africa of 11 kg ha-1, which is the world region with the lowest fertilizer use. In 2008 the Rwandan government, with the assistance of international aid agencies, started programs with the main objective of increasing the use of fertilizers in the diverse crops grown in the country. As part of a project sponsored by USAID, a survey was developed to identify major factors that affect the farmer’s decision of starting fertilizer use. The random sampling survey was designed to collect demographic, socioeconomic, and crop management practices data from 2022 small scale farm households located throughout the country. Principal Factor Analysis was employed to identify fertilizer adoption factors. Each of the factors selected is made up by a series of explanatory variables. Then the explanatory variables were tested comparing the Cumulative Empirical Distribution Functions (CEDF) or the Empirical Distribution Functions (EDF) of fertilizer users against no-fertilizer users. The hypothesis tests for the comparison of CEDF’s and EDF’s from the two groups of farmers were carried out with the non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The ten most influential factors, in order of importance,are shown below. Factor Name of Factor 1 Percent Maize Sales 2 Percent Vegetable sales 3 Farming Area 4 Interest on Increasing maize and vegetable Production 5 Interest on Getting Credit for maize and vegetable 6 Perception of fertilization effect on Maize and Vegetables 7 Interest on Increasing Potato Production 8 Fund Sources 9 Understanding fertilizer importance 10 Perception of Conditions Limiting Access to Fertilizers
Determinants of Rice Marketed Surplus in Togo: A Heckman Two-Stage Selection Approach
(2013) Latha Nagarajan; Aliou Diagne; Anwar Naseem; Serge Adjognon
This study examines the dynamics of rice consumption and production in Togo, a country where rice ranks third in consumption after maize and sorghum, constituting 3% of the total GDP. Despite a 17.40% growth in rice production from 2005 to 2008, consumption has outpaced domestic production, resulting in significant imports costing $7.5 million annually. The inefficiency of agricultural production efforts without a robust marketing system is highlighted. The research employs the Heckman 2 Stage Selection Model to analyze the major determinants of rice marketed surplus in Togo, with a particular focus on the impact of transaction costs. Data from the Consumer Preferences Survey (2010) conducted by the AfricaRice Center, involving 253 randomly selected rice producer households from five main regions, informs the analysis. The two-stage model involves a probit estimation to determine market participation factors and an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation to analyze marketed surplus. Results indicate a 76% market participation rate and an average marketed surplus of 2 tons. Factors such as household characteristics (schooling, gender, age, family size), market-related characteristics (paddy production, farmer-trader status, paddy price), and social network participation influence market outcomes. Region-specific effects and the Inverse Mill Ratio are also considered. The findings suggest that government interventions in the Maritimes and Kara regions have positively impacted market participation. However, considerable imperfections in the rice market chain, compounded by transaction costs, hinder efficient price transmission to farmers. The study underscores the importance of addressing market imperfections alongside efforts to boost rice production. The government and development agencies are urged to target these issues to enhance the overall effectiveness of interventions.
Quantifying Nitrous Oxide and Nitric Oxide Emissions from Rice Soils
(2014-11) Upendra Singh; Austin, E. Rick ; Yam Kanta Gaihre; Joaquin Sanabria; Wendie D. Bible; M. Abdus Satter
Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) are mainly controlled by water and nitrogen management. Nitrogen fertilizer use based on IPCC estimates results in 1% N2O emission per unit N fertilizer. Water saving irrigation such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) is reported to reduce global warming potential of rice farming mainly due to reducing methane emissions. However, its impacts on N2O emissions are not year clear. N2O emission could be reduced by efficient N fertilization. Urea deep placement (UDP) is a promising technology that reduces N loss by up to 35 percent and increases rice yield up to 20 percent. To find the mitigation potential of GHG emissions from water and nitrogen management, IFDC has started long term monitoring of N2O and NO emissions using automated continuous measurement system. The experiments are being conducted under greenhouse conditions in Alabama and field conditions in Bangladesh. The monitoring of N2O and NO emissions started in 2012. The treatments comprised of zero N, deep placed urea briquette, and urea broadcasted in 2-3 splits on rice under flooded and AWD conditions and on wheat under aerobic conditions. Results showed that N2O emissions were sporadic and event specific. The fertilizer-induced peak emissions were observed in broadcast urea treatments after 4-7 days of application. But emission peaks were not observed in UDP treatments. Magnitude and emissions rate varied among locations. In addition to fertilizer induced peak (under urea broadcast), significant emissions were observed when field was alternately wet and dry. Mechanisms affecting N2O and NO emissions under flooded, AWD, and fully upland conditions are discussed. The effect of diurnal temperature variation on N2O and NO emission is also presented.
Quantifying Adoption of Urea Deep Placement by Rice Growers in Bangladesh
(2015) Joaquin Sanabria; Ishrat Jahan; Afzal Hossain
More than ten years of experimentation have demonstrated that the use of Urea Deep Placement (UDP) results in significantly higher N Use Efficiency (NUE) than broadcasted prilled urea (PU) for lowland rice in Bangladesh. UDP use increases yields, reduces quantities of urea applied, increases farmers’ returns, and produces national savings due to the reduction of urea imports. Ongoing research indicates that large-scale adoption of UDP also has environmental benefits due to reduced N losses and greenhouse gas emissions. The objectives of this research were to estimate UDP adoptions, compare PU and UDP concerning yield, assess methods used for the diffusion of UDP technology, and identify factors with the potential to constrain UDP adoption. Two-cluster sampling was used. Results show that UDP has been widely adopted across the seasons, albeit to differing degrees. Additionally, diffusion strategies such as farmer training and field demonstrations have proven to be effective in improving yield and NUE compared to PU. However, obstacles like the need for hand application and the scarcity of briquettes prevent wider implementation. Using mechanized techniques, recommendations include extending the UDP application to more fields and enhancing briquette dispersion.
Modeling the Effects of Input Market Reforms on Fertilizer Demand and Maize Production: A Case Study of Kenya
(2016) Megan Sheahan; Joshua Ariga; Thomas S. Jayne
Kenya is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa experiencing an impressive rise in fertilizer use on food crops grown by smallholder farmers since the liberalization of input markets starting in the early-1990s. The impacts of these reforms and associated private sector investments on national fertilizer use and food production have never been rigorously quantified, though doing so could shed new light on policy makers’ options for raising food crop productivity in the region. This study estimates a double-hurdle model of fertilizer demand that controls for common forms of unobserved heterogeneity then simulates the effect of changes in fertilizer prices and distances from farm to the nearest fertilizer retailer associated with fertilizer market liberalization on the demand for fertilizer and the production of maize, the major staple crop in the country. The study concludes that over the period 1997-2010 the reduction in real fertilizer prices associated with input market liberalization is estimated to have raised maize yields by 15 to 100 kg/ha, depending on the province and year. Low average physical response rates of maize to fertilizer application in high fertilizer consuming areas of Kenya limits the degree to which increased fertilizer use via liberalization policies translates into food production improvements. These increases in maize yield specifically linked to changes in fertilizer prices accounted for between 1 and 11 percent of changes in maize production between survey years.
Evaluation of Agronomic Effectiveness of Activated Phosphate Rock
(2016-11-07) Sampson Agyin-Birikorang; Upendra Singh; Job Fugice; Wendie D. Bible; Joaquin Sanabria; Vaughn Henry
Unlike water soluble phosphorus (P) fertilizers, most phosphate rocks (PRs) are non-reactive in agricultural soils, particularly in neutral to alkaline soils. One innovative and practical approach to enhancing PR agronomic efficiency is “activation” of the PRs with water soluble P (WSP) fertilizers. In greenhouse studies unreactive PR was activated with a modest amount of WSP at a ratio 20% WSP to 80% PR (4:1 PR/WSP ratio = “0.2 Activation”) and evaluated on three soils with varying acidity/alkalinity level (Hiwassee loam – 5.49, Greenville loam – 6.80, and Sumter – 7.57). Rice and soybeans were used as test crops during the spring/summer seasons, and wheat during the winter season. P uptake was determined at three growth stages (4 weeks after planting, anthesis, and grain filling). At maturity, the crops were harvested to determine grain and biomass yields, grain and straw P contents, and to calculate the relative agronomic effectiveness (RAE) of the P sources. Irrespective of the soil, crop and planting season, significant improvement in the agronomic effectiveness of the “activated” PR was observed, with an average RAE value greater than 80%. The combined results suggests that, combination of a modest amount of WSP with PR could be a cost effective means of enhancing P availability in PRs without the soil pH constraint on the agronomic effectiveness of PRs. Further studies will evaluate the effectiveness of the “activated” PRs under field conditions.
Modeling Spatial Variability across Farms to Estimate the Error in Experiments Replicated across Numerous Farms
(2017) Joaquin Sanabria ; Oscar Nduwimana; Wendt John
Balanced crop nutrition and soil fertility research toward ensuring food security for Subsaharan Africa requires conduction of experiments in small-holder farms. These experiments can be intrusive and compete for the land used by producers to support their families and derive income. The burden for the farmers can be reduced conducting experiments in which the set of treatments is applied only once in each of numerous farms located across entire regions. The wide spatial variability, mainly due to soil characteristics, is reduced grouping farms with the use of a combination of multivariate factor and cluster analysis, and the error term for testing hypotheses about treatments is obtained from modeling the spatial variability across farms within each cluster. The effect of three fertilization treatments, three farm clusters and the interaction of treatment*cluster on bean yields in Burundi were tested with a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLIMMIX), the R side covariance error structure was modeled with a Spatial Exponential structure along the latitude and altitude coordinates. Running the experiments in many farms covering entire regions enhances the scope of the research, clustering the farms allows to develop specific fertilization recommendations for the specific environmental characteristics of each cluster, modeling the covariance error structure across farms results in an analysis of variance (ANOVA) model of higher fitness and power than an ANOVA model that assumes error term independence across farms. The Akaike Information Criteria were 245.21 and 528.85, and the error variances were 0.0937 and 0.1286 for the ANOVA models with spatial exponential covariance error structure and with assumed error independence respectively. A significant interaction Treatment*Cluster is critical to make specific fertilization recommendations to farm clusters, the ANOVA model including the error covariance modeling was able to detect such a significance while the ANOVA model assuming independence of errors failed to detect the interaction significance.
Partnering for Inclusive Growth, the 2SCALE Approach
(2017) Arno Maatman
This paper introduces 2SCALE, a program supporting inclusive business champions in Africa. Inclusive businesses are commercially viable enterprises that involve low-income communities, such as smallholder farmers and base-of-the-pyramid consumers, in a way that benefits them. These inclusive business champions face various challenges, including sourcing difficulties, unfair competition, limited resources, and internal resistance. The objective of 2SCALE is to assist these champions in realizing sustainable, inclusive businesses that serve as inspirational examples for others. The paper discusses the partnership models employed by 2SCALE, highlighting grassroots and lead firm public-private partnerships (PPPs) that evolve into multi-layered partnerships over time. It emphasizes the central role of the inclusive business champion in these partnerships. The paper also outlines 2SCALE's approach, which focuses on developing business models and value chain arrangements that promote inclusiveness, competitiveness, and scalability. Three key focus areas are highlighted: facilitating agribusiness clusters, fostering innovative, inclusive value chain relations, and supporting enabling environments, particularly access to finance and information. The paper concludes by presenting the major impact pathways and key results achieved by 2SCALE, including the benefit to smallholder farmers, support to SMEs, private sector contributions, BoP pilots, and capacity strengthening of business support service providers. Overall, 2SCALE's approach aims to create lasting business models that integrate smallholder farmers and base-of-the-pyramid consumers, leading to inclusive and sustainable value chains.
Efficient Base of the Pyramid Marketing and Distribution Strategies
(2017) Janet Macharia; Kwame Pipim
Base of the pyramid (BoP) marketing and distribution strategies aim to tap into a consumer segment with low purchasing power while addressing their unique characteristics and operating within informal markets. This approach offers business opportunities to companies while improving food and nutrition security for BoP consumers. BoP marketing requires reducing product costs and ensuring proximity and convenience for consumers. The 4As approach (Awareness, Acceptability, Availability, Affordability) is tailored to the BoP market's needs. BoP consumers represent a large and important market segment, particularly in the food industry, with significant untapped potential. Successful BoP marketing and distribution strategies rely on a market-driven approach, even though many value chain actors may initially overlook the market opportunity the BoP presents. Pilot projects are often conducted to gather consumer insights, assess market suitability, and develop effective strategies. These pilots involve experimentation, trial, error, and iterative learning to create innovative marketing and distribution approaches. Partnerships with businesses or processors are typically initiated through existing public-private partnerships or proactive initiatives. To reach consumers effectively, BoP pilots explore distribution channels, such as door-to-door selling and micro franchises. The success of a pilot is evaluated based on sales volume, customer reach, and overall profitability. This evaluation informs the scaling or exit strategies for the partnership. Ultimately, BoP's marketing and distribution strategies aim to create sustainable business models that benefit both companies and BoP consumers.
Building Inclusive Agribusiness: Going One Step Down the Ladder Makes a Difference
(2017) Judith Chabari ; Olugbenga Stephen Idowu
This report explores the advantages of partnering with intermediate trading and processing companies, specifically Psaltry in Nigeria and Shalem in Kenya, for inclusive agribusiness development. While interventions for market inclusiveness often focus on large industrial-scale firms or end users, the experiences with Psaltry and Shalem demonstrate the efficiency of collaborating with locally based intermediaries. These companies effectively facilitate collaboration between large off-takers (such as breweries) and smallholder farmers, leading to inclusive agribusiness outcomes. The involvement of large industrial end-users is crucial as they provide a stable bulk market and purchasing power, driving the supply chain and benefiting many smallholder farmers. The commitment of these large buyers to inclusive agribusiness can stimulate value chain innovation. For example, Nigerian Breweries supported Psaltry in upgrading its processing facility to increase local sourcing, expanding opportunities for cassava producers. Psaltry, a cassava trader and processor, established partnerships with smallholder farmers through a 2SCALE-facilitated public-private partnership—the collaboration aimed to improve the efficiency and inclusiveness of the cassava supply chain for Nigerian Breweries. Shalem, an aggregator of sorghum and other products, faced challenges regarding sourcing reliability and fair value for growers. The 2SCALE intervention supported capacity strengthening, improved supply chain management, and enhanced both Psaltry and Shalem farm-level efficiency. The interventions resulted in significant improvements, such as increased yields, reduced production costs for Psaltry, and improved productivity for Shalem. Both companies experienced positive impacts on their out-grower schemes, supplier relationships, and market competitiveness. Additionally, interventions addressed challenges faced by transporters, village agents, and other actors in the value chain. Lessons learned from these partnerships emphasize the advantages of working with intermediate trading and processing companies. The proximity of these companies to smallholder farmers allows for effective collaboration and responsiveness to local needs. Closeness to the grassroots enables better supply chain management, improved farm-level efficiency, negotiation of favorable business terms, and the development of loyalty programs. These findings highlight the potential of inclusive agribusiness development through partnerships with intermediaries.
Attracting the Youth to Agribusiness
(2017) Thompson Ogunsanmi
This document explores the importance of engaging youth in the agribusiness sector and presents examples of how 2SCALE, a consortium focused on inclusive agribusiness partnerships, addressed youth inclusion in its initiatives. Recognizing the need to make agriculture attractive and remunerative, 2SCALE emphasizes providing youth access to land, finance, and modern technologies. The document highlights youth challenges in the agricultural sector, such as limited resource access and under-employment. It stresses the need to tailor approaches to suit young individuals' diverse needs, ambitions, and resources. The document discusses the efforts made by 2SCALE partnerships in various countries, including Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, and Nigeria, to enhance youth participation in agricultural value chains. It sheds light on the role of financial institutions in supporting youth entrepreneurs by providing tailor-made loans and reducing collateral requirements. Additionally, it explores the issue of land access and the complexities of addressing land tenure challenges. Furthermore, the document explores opportunities beyond farming for youth in agribusiness, such as specialized service provision along the value chain. It showcases examples of young people offering services like pesticide spraying, tractor rental, and quality control management, improving value chain efficiency, and providing income alternatives to casual labor. The document also mentions micro-franchise models and off-farm activities as potential avenues for youth engagement in the sector.
Partnership Governance
(2017) Raphaël Vogelsperger ; Eric Lakoussan; Addis Teshome
This paper explores the importance of governance arrangements in agrifood public-private partnerships (PPPs) and their role in strengthening inclusive value chains. While practitioners in the agrifood sector primarily focus on field-level interventions to address constraints and improve productivity, it is crucial to consider how partnerships are governed for their success in enhancing inclusiveness and competitiveness. The paper addresses key questions related to the significance of explicit governance arrangements, the functioning and implementation of governance mechanisms, the contribution of partnership governance to inclusiveness, and the requirements for effective inclusive partnership governance. Drawing on the experience of the 2SCALE program, the paper emphasizes the need for governance arrangements to ensure fair decision-making, inclusiveness of vulnerable actors, alignment with partnership objectives, and sustainability. The governance structures and processes employed in 2SCALE partnerships, involving private lead partners and 2SCALE, are discussed, highlighting the roles of field teams, management committees, and strategic oversight committees. The paper also acknowledges the adaptation of governance arrangements based on specific partnership contexts, such as the involvement of farmer organizations or other key actors in the value chain. Overall, the findings underscore the significance of explicit and well-implemented governance arrangements in promoting inclusiveness and effective management of PPPs in the agri-food sector.
BoP Markets as a Driver for Inclusive Value Chain and Business Development
(2017) Hiwot Shimeles; Tekalgn Ayano; Mathias Ahounou
This paper provides an overview of two partnerships between the GUTS Agro Industry, a nutritious food processing company in Ethiopia, and the 2SCALE consortium in two different contexts: Ethiopia and Benin. The partnerships aimed to develop and offer nutritional food products to base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) markets and improve value chain efficiency. In Ethiopia, the partnership focused on sourcing raw materials (maize and soybean) from smallholder farmers' organizations, improving quality and traceability, and developing a marketing and distribution strategy for a fortified food supplement called Supermom. The partnership improved farmer cooperatives' governance, increased production, reliable sourcing, and reduced costs for GUTS Agro-Industry. A micro-franchise distribution model was also implemented, empowering women as Likie micro-franchisees to sell the products door-to-door. In Benin, the partnership supported soybean producer and processor organizations to improve market development for soybean products, enhance incomes, and promote soybean-based products in the local market. The partnerships showcased the potential collaboration between agribusinesses and smallholder farmers or women processors, leading to improved value chain performance, market access, and socio-economic benefits for the involved stakeholders.
Local Drivers of Inclusive Agribusiness Development: Cases from Ethiopia
(2017) Addis Teshome; Assefa Degefu
This paper explores two partnerships established through the 2SCALE program in Ethiopia, focusing on farmers' organizations as key drivers of inclusive agribusiness development. The sorghum and vegetable sector partnerships demonstrate cooperatives and unions' potential to drive economic growth and facilitate vertical integration in the value chain. The cooperatives act as hubs for innovative technologies and offer aggregation and market access opportunities. The paper highlights the interventions carried out by 2SCALE to improve the competitiveness and inclusiveness of these organizations, including training programs, market linkages, and the development of business models tailored to smallholder farmers. The results show increased income for smallholder farmers, improved market access, and the empowerment of farmers to make informed decisions. These cases emphasize the importance of cooperatives and unions as local drivers of inclusive agribusiness development in Ethiopia.

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