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Browsing Newsletters by Subject "Fertilizers"
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- ItemFERARI Quarterly Newsletter (January-March 2020)(2020) IFDCThe 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.
- ItemFERARI Quarterly Newsletter-January 2021(2021) IFDCThe 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.
- ItemFERARI Quarterly Newsletter-January 2022(2022) IFDCThis 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.
- ItemFERARI Quarterly Newsletter-July 2020(2020) IFDCThis 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.
- ItemFERARI Quarterly Newsletter-October 2020(2020) IFDCFERARI'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.