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Browsing Miscellaneous by Subject "Agricultural Inputs"
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- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 16, No. 4(1991-12) IFDCThis report discusses the participation of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in a study sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on agricultural inputs in Albania. The study focused on the production, distribution, and marketing of fertilizer and other critical agricultural inputs following the breakup of cooperative farms and the redistribution of land to individual farmers. The report highlights the collapse of the planned system for supplying agricultural inputs to state farms and cooperatives, particularly in the case of fertilizers. It emphasizes the urgent need for establishing fertilizer marketing, distribution, and credit systems to support small farmers. The report also underscores the critical role of fertilizer in restoring and maintaining agricultural output in Albania. The recommendations include launching a major fertilizer marketing and distribution effort, conducting technical and economic appraisals of fertilizer factories, and providing cost-effective production and pollution reduction assistance. The publication also briefly mentions other IFDC developments, such as collaborative arrangements with international agricultural research centers, donor meetings, and opportunities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 31, No. 2(2006-12) IFDCThis publication provides an overview of the project "Catalyzing Acceleration of Agricultural Intensification for Stability and Sustainability" (CATALIST) in the Great Lakes region. The project aims to combat poverty, promote peace and stability, and accelerate economic growth through labour-intensive public works, such as planting trees, building terraces, and constructing roads. It establishes and strengthens farmer and agri-input dealer organizations to enhance agricultural capacities and market linkages. The region faces significant challenges, including rapid deforestation, soil erosion, and depletion of plant nutrients, which negatively impact the Nile and Congo rivers. The CATALIST project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands and the Dutch Directorate General for Development Cooperation, collaborates with farmers' organizations, NGOs, the private sector, donors, and consortia to address these issues. The project addresses soil nutrient depletion, low agricultural productivity, and fragmented markets by promoting integrated soil fertility management. This approach combines mineral fertilizers with soil amendments to improve soil quality and increase profitability for smallholder farmers. The project focuses on the Albertine Rift and Kagera River Basin, which are vital for social and environmental stability in the region and are home to endangered wildlife and plants. The document also highlights the urgent need to address Africa's fertilizer crisis and increase fertilizer use to achieve higher agricultural growth rates. It emphasizes the importance of providing farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation to enhance productivity and meet the growing food needs of the continent. The resolution adopted by the African Union Member States at the Africa Fertilizer Summit outlines strategic measures to improve fertilizer availability, reduce costs, strengthen input networks, and support national and regional fertilizer production and trade.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 32, No. 3(2007-09) IFDCThe Agricultural Input Markets Strengthening (AIMS) project, led by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), aims to address the unique challenges faced by the agri-input sector in Mozambique. Despite abundant land for farming, Mozambique struggles with low fertilizer use, resulting in low crop yields compared to other African countries. The AIMS project, sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), collaborates with the public and private sectors to improve the availability, affordability, and quality of agri-inputs, including fertilizers and improved seeds. One of the critical issues in Mozambique's agri-input market is the high cost of fertilizers, exacerbated by the expensive transportation process. Most fertilizers are imported from South Africa, increasing prices due to transportation costs. Paradoxically, higher fertilizer use would contribute to lowering costs. Moreover, the lack of credit options hampers access to inputs, as farmers and dealers cannot use land as collateral. The AIMS project aims to address these challenges by providing training, encouraging agri-input businesses, and facilitating the establishment of demonstration plots to showcase the benefits of using inputs. The project also seeks to leverage Mozambique's local resources, such as natural gas and phosphate rock, to explore the feasibility of establishing a fertilizer-blending facility near the Beira port. Additionally, partnerships with organizations like IITA and ICRISAT aim to improve the production and availability of soybeans, cowpeas, maize, and groundnut seeds. These efforts target increasing local poultry production and reducing import dependence. To enhance agri-input distribution, the AIMS project explores the potential of farmer organizations, such as IKURU, to become input distributors and import fertilizers for their members. The project aims to gradually increase imports to serve larger areas and a growing number of farmers. Strengthening linkages between U.S. and African research institutes is another crucial aspect, enabling the rollout of improved technologies and practices to remote farming areas. Furthermore, the report discusses the West Africa Cotton Improvement Program (WACIP) implemented by IFDC in collaboration with various partners. WACIP aims to improve cotton production, ginning, and textile operations in Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali. By introducing sustainable agricultural practices, alternative crops, and niche processing and marketing opportunities, WACIP aims to enhance farmers' incomes and environmental sustainability.
- ItemIFDC Report, Volume 34, No. 2(2009) IFDCThis document summarizes the pioneering efforts of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in implementing voucher programs for agricultural inputs in Malawi, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Mozambique. These voucher programs aim to provide smallholder farmers access to fertilizers and improved seeds while building businesses for rural agro-dealers. The vouchers, often called "smart subsidies," are redeemed by farmers for agricultural products through private agro-dealers. The programs also include training and technical assistance for agro-dealers and farmers to enhance productivity and improve their livelihoods. Additionally, the report highlights the importance of designing country-specific programs, implementing security measures to prevent fraud, and gradually reducing voucher values as farm incomes increase. The report also discusses the G-8 Summit's commitment to increasing funding for food security initiatives and the shift in the international approach to supporting developing countries in growing and storing their food.