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Browsing by Subject "Agricultural technology"

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2018 IFDC Annual Report
(2019-06) IFDC
Northern Ghana, known as the nation's breadbasket, has faced persistent high poverty rates and low per capita incomes. The Feed the Future Ghana Agriculture Technology Transfer (ATT) project, implemented from 2013 to 2018, aimed to revolutionize the agriculture sector in the region. The project facilitated access to agricultural technologies, improved seeds, fertilizers, and production methods by forming partnerships with smallholder farmers, agribusinesses, and research institutions. ATT strengthened the seed and agro-input value chains through a holistic approach and promoted good agricultural practices, integrated soil fertility management, and water management technologies. The project also focused on building the capacity of local private sector entities, government bodies, and research institutions to foster a dynamic agriculture sector. The involvement of local implementing partners ensured broad coverage and sustainability of project interventions in remote communities. ATT's achievements include establishing certified seed production by the private sector, improved seed distribution networks, enhanced soil fertility management through evidence-based practices, and introducing water-harvesting technologies for dual cropping. These interventions have increased farm yields, improved incomes, and greater resilience for over 200,000 farmers in remote areas of northern Ghana. The project's success is attributed to the collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including farmers, businesses, researchers, and regulatory bodies. ATT has laid a solid foundation for sustainable agricultural growth in the region by strengthening the private seed industry and the public research system. Additionally, IFDC, the implementing organization, has researched soil and fertilizer management, focusing on maximizing nutrient use efficiency and developing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable production technologies.
IFDC Report, Volume 16, No. 2
(1991-06) IFDC
This report presents the development of a whole-farm decision-making model for Guatemala by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in collaboration with other institutions. The aim is to shorten the gap between research findings and the application of new agricultural technologies in farmers' fields. The model incorporates crop simulation models and includes a socioeconomic component to understand the complex constraints faced by small-farm production systems in developing countries. The scientists investigate farmers' decision-making process and the factors influencing their farming systems, such as social and cultural backgrounds, financial situations, and natural resource bases. The ultimate goal is to predict farmers' adoption of new technologies and identify potential conflicts with existing practices, as well as the necessary incentives for adoption. The report highlights the use of rule-based programs and qualitative data analysis to capture the diverse factors involved in farmers' decision-making. The model is built around crop simulation models for beans, maize, and sorghum. The findings from this project will contribute to a better understanding of technology adoption and facilitate the development of tailored agricultural solutions for small-farm systems in Guatemala and potentially other regions.
IFDC Report, Volume 18, No. 3
(1983-09) IFDC
This report highlights Albania's progress in transitioning from an isolationist, centrally planned economy to a market economy, with a particular focus on the agricultural sector. While Albania has achieved notable advancements in establishing democracy, controlling inflation, attracting foreign investment, and increasing agricultural and industrial production, it remains one of Europe's poorest countries. The economy must stabilize and develop the necessary institutions and infrastructure to support market-oriented approaches to unlock the country's potential for higher productivity and income. The report emphasizes the importance of developing an agricultural management information system to address the challenges faced by Albania. The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) has introduced modern information technology tools to Albania's agricultural sector personnel. A team of IFDC scientists visited Albania to demonstrate the capabilities of geographic information systems (GIS) and crop modelling in providing essential information for decision-making. The prototype crop model GIS system showcased in the demonstrations enables the production of soil and agroclimatic maps, crop simulation modelling, and mapping sales regions for individual dealers. The demonstrations received positive responses from approximately 300 attendees, including policymakers, agronomists, and agricultural input dealers. The report underscores the need to establish a multidisciplinary team of Albanian experts trained in using crop models and GIS to provide timely and relevant information to policymakers. Furthermore, the report discusses ongoing efforts to expand the prototype model GIS system to cover the entire country. The Ministry of Agriculture is utilizing an area sampling frame (ASF) method to estimate crop areas and yields at the national level. By linking the GIS system to these databases, valuable data can be mapped and analyzed, aiding in regional production assessments, wheat production suitability evaluations, and estimation of on-farm fertilizer demand. The report concludes by highlighting the potential of the prototype model GIS system in supporting decision-making processes within Albania's agricultural sector. It emphasizes the importance of further development and training initiatives to fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by this innovative approach to information provision.
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.
The Role of Multinational Corporations in the Supply of Agricultural Production Technology to China & India
(2018) Carl E. Pray; Latha Nagarajan; Anwar Naseem
Policy makers in Asia have long struggled with the challenge of how to access agricultural technology from multinational corporations (MNCs)while protecting their farmers and food and input industries from excess market power. This paper describes the pathways by which farmers can access technology and research capacity from foreign firms. Then it examines some of the policies that India and Chinese governments have used to encourage access. The recent history of research and technology transfer to these countries is reviewed to do a preliminary assessment of how these policies work. India has had a much more liberal policy on foreign investment in recent years which resulted in more access to MNC research and technology. So far, however, there are no studies that show this policy led to higher benefits to farmers or lower costs of transferring technology. Studies of benefits and costs of these policies could be very useful to Indian and Chinese policy makers.
Transfer Efficient Agricultural technology through Market Systems in Mozambique- Annual Report January- December 2021
(2022-03)
International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), in partnership with African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), United Purpose (UP), and Associação kwaedza Simukai Manica (AKSM), is implementing the Embassy of Sweden-funded Transfer Efficient Agricultural technologies through Market Systems (TEAMS) program in the Manica and Sofala provinces of Mozambique. Following an inclusive market systems approach, the program is expanding program-supported linkages between farmers and agribusiness to supply essential cost-effective inputs and extension services. Ultimately, scaling the adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies and practices observing gender balance through farm demonstrations organized under public and private sector partnerships. The consortium, led by IFDC, is implementing the TEAMS program, which is a continuation of the program Food security through climate change Adaptation and Resilience (FAR-Sofala). The TEAMS program aims to reach more than 15,000 farmers in three (3) districts of Sofala Province, Nhamatanda, Buzi, and Chibabava, and four (4) districts of Manica Province, Macate, Vanduzi, Sussundenga, and Manica. By 2021, 15,418 farmers (62% women) were assisted and trained with the best agricultural practices to increase productivity and resilience to climate change, and 7,832 farmers who applied climate-smart agriculture practices (CSA) increased vegetable production with surplus sold, contributing to household income. Furthermore, as part of adaptation measures to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program introduced innovative and appropriate solutions to continue assisting armers on CSA utilizing Information and Communications Technologies for Agriculture (ICT4Ag). Twenty-four (24) extension messages were broadcasted, which benefited 5,968 (62% women) farmers. The program also explored partnerships and synergies with other partners or initiatives outside the consortium. For instance, TEAMS collaborated with the Peace Process Secretariat (PPS) in assisting the Demobilization, Disarmament, and Reintegration (DDR) process through training demobilized guerrillas in CSA and business skills as part of social reintegration. A total of 590 (62 women) ex-combatants were integrated into farmer groups assisted by the program and developed skills for agriculture activity. Therefore, this report provides information on the activities carried out by the TEAMS program in the Manica and Sofala province as follows: Main TEAMS program interventions and achievements: ▪ Facilitated the training of 15,418 farmers (62% women) on CSA through local promoters of agricultural technologies, innovation transfer, and private sector activities. ▪ 60% (9 183) of trained farmers applied at least one climate-smart agricultural practice. ▪ Trained 7,229 smallholder farmers on using and managing low-cost irrigation systems to increase horticulture production. ▪ Facilitated the introduction of 127 irrigation systems in collaboration with agro-dealers and farmers organizations to intensify vegetable production. ▪ Supported establishment of 16 agro-dealers by building improved and resistant input and retail shops. ▪ Established/faciliated the linkages between farmers and local agro-dealers through field days on the benefits of using improved seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs demonstrated in the Agrarian Technology and Innovation Transfer Unities (UTTIAs). ▪ Facilitated the training of 5,318 farmers on vegetable processing practices to improve the nutrition. Facilitated the training of 4,596 smallholder farmers on post-harvest handling and vegetable crop management. ▪ 322 metric tons (mt) of crops such as maize, sesame, and pigeon pea, aggregated from local farmers through 15 agro-dealers as a result of the training provided on output agregation. ▪ Facilitated 77 contracts between farmers and 7 local agro-dealers for improved inputs access. ▪ Supported local seedling producer on-demand creation and increased outreach to 2001 farmers. ▪ Facilitated 3 contracts between farmers and local schools for vegetable supply, benefiting 30 farmers (24 female) with a total amount of MZM 372,004. ▪ A total of 1,554 farmers (923 women) accessed funds through 69 village savings and loan associations (VSLAs) and invested in agriculture production and small business. ▪ Supported 17 spray service providers with starter kits to assist 2,001 vegetable producers in 7 communities on pest control. ▪ Facilitate the training and auditing of 197 vegetable producers (42 women) on local good agricultural practices (GAPs). ▪ Trained and coached 12 489 (81% of farmers assisted by program) of farmers assisted by program producing vegetables as income diversification and increasing resilience to climate changes. ▪ Supported 51% (7832 of farmers assisted) of farmers assisted in increasing vegetable productivity and income 2 times through improved inputs. ▪ Improvement of annual income of farmers from U.S. $126/year to U.S. $396/year per farmer. ▪ 15,418 farmers (9,559 women and 5,859 men) assisted in preventing massive contamination by COVID-19 during fieldwork, training, and distribution of personal and Grapepel Prevention Material. ▪ Atotal of 590 (62 women) ex-combatants were integrated into farmers groups assisted by the program and developed skills for agriculture activity. ▪ A total of 5,968 farmers (of 4,476 program farmers and an additional 1,492 farmers not assisted directly by program) assisted through ICT for agriculture tool (SMS platform) to respond to the pest attacks (maize funnel caterpillar) caused by the late and irregular fall of rains. ▪ At least 60% (9 251) of farmers received information on extension through radio broadcast and applied at least one recommendation to improve production in these districts. ▪ A total of 10,827 farmers (59% women) were trained on food processing to produce tomato jam, dry vegetables to be used in less availability period of the year, orange flashed potato juice and cakes, rice cakes, and kale juice, what allowed 6,388 women to develop skills on improved food preparation to improve household nutrition and food availability. ▪ Contributed to local employment by training and equiping with start-up kits 8 youth for pest and diseases management to provide spraying service to farmers. ▪ A total of 4,889 program farmers (61% women) that applied improved inputs and agricultural practices for cereals and legumes had better productivity (from 32% to the double) compared with farmers that did not use CSA practices and inputs inputs. ▪ To increase purchasing power for improved inputs and improve market-oriented production planning, the program introduced the agricultural fund to savings groups and linked these groups with local agro-dealers for timely provisioning of inputs.
Transfer Efficient Agricultural Technology through Market Systems in Mozambique- Baseline Report September 2021
(2021-09)
TEAMS program engaged 15,418 farmers (62% women) which are being assisted with traineingson the best agricultural practices to increase productivity and resilience to climate change. In partneship with SDAEs and large inputs supply companies, the program is assisting farmers through technicians and through ICT4Ag packages. The program also explored partnerships and synergies with other partners or initiatives outside the consortium. For instance, TEAMS collaborated with the Peace Process Secretariat (PPS) in assisting the Demobilization, Disarmament, and Reintegration (DDR) process through training demobilized guerrillas in CSA and business skills as part of social reintegration. A total of 590 (62 women) ex-combatants were integrated into farmer groups assisted by the program and developed skills for agriculture activity. Therefore, this report provides information on the activities carried out by the TEAMS program in the Manica and Sofala province as follows: Main findings • 47% of the interviewed farmers have primary education, 33% have no schooling and 19% have secondary education. More details are in the chart below. • The Farmer households have on average between 6 and 7 members (6 in Sofala province and & in Manica province), with 52% between 4 and 8 members, these households cultivate areas ranging from 0.1 to 16 Acre. • 50% of the areas from 2.1 to 4 hectares, 27% from 0 to 2 hectares, and 15% with an area of 4.1 to 6 hectares. 69% of the land plowed by farmers is nearly flat and 31% is sloped. • For the cultivation process, 92% farmers are using labor from family members, 5% use hired labor, and 3% use labor from family, friends, and neighbors. • The land is mostly (58.8%) owned by adult men and 40.3% owned by adult women. • During the last 12 months, farmers produced 96% corn, 32% caw pea, 30% graded nuts, 26% beans, 26% rice, 24% sweet potatoes, 23% sesame, 21% cassava, vegetables, pumpkin, and sorghum. • The average corn crops the farmer's harvest is 500 kg/ha, 451 kg/ha in Sofala, and 551 kg/ha in Manica, this production is mostly destined for consumption in the household, and a small part 28% is for marketing. • For rice cultivation, farmers reported harvesting 365 kg/ha, being 422 kg/ha in Sofala and 308 kg in Sofala province, this production is for household consumption and sale, only farmers in Sofala province reported selling rice produced. • The average bean crop is harvested at 230 kg/ha, most of which are for household consumption and a small amount for marketing, only farmers in the province of Manica reported selling the beans produced. The most important for the household, 90% is corn, followed by rice and beans. • 75% of farmers cultivate Kale, 60% Tomatoes, 50% Cabbage and Lecture • 49% of farmers have Mango trees, 35% bananas, 20% papaya, and 15% Pineapple and Guava. • 75% of farmers did not use any type of agricultural inputs and 25% had used at least one type of agricultural input in the last 12 months. 15% used fertilizers, 6% used pesticides and improved seeds. • 52 Farmers obtain seeds less than 20 km, 4 between 20 and 40 km, and the rest more than 100 km from their household. • 17% of the households had irrigated agricultural areas and 83% did not. 70% use pouring water by hand, 16% use an Electric or diesel pump. • Farmers, irrigate their farm in June, July, and August with 13%, 14%, and 15% of responses and in the remaining months of the year with percentages ranging from 5% to 7%. • 71% of farmers tilled their agricultural areas using swamps (using hands), 20% used animal traction and 3% answered using machines for farming. • 90% of farmers do not use vegetables to improve soil fertility, 33% of Farmers plants vegetables as a food and sale crop, 6% plants before or after culture, and 5% intercrop. • The income obtained from the sale of agricultural production 96% used to compare food, 50% to buy possessions (clothes, vehicles, items for the family), 42% with household members (education, health, travel, etc.), and 30% is used to invest in agriculture. • Farmers have other sources of income, 9% Have onw Business, 5% Work in local business, 3% Labor on other farms, Labor, not on farm and Sale of firewood or charcoal, 2% Work for government or public institution. • Income from activities outside agriculture 22% used to compare food, 19% to buy possessions (clothes, vehicles, family items), 17% with household members (education, health, travel, etc.), and 10% is used to invest in agriculture • 60% of the farmers going hungry in January and February, 50% in November and December. In Sofala province with less intensity in November and December with an average below 40%. • Farmers fed mostly (above 50%) with tubers, vegetables, and leafy vegetables, 30% with vegetables, less than 20% with nut seeds, fruits, eggs, meat, and milk. In 2020, 71% of farmers are unable to eat healthy and nutritious food, 68% until only a few kinds of foods, 67% worried about not having enough to eat, 64% had to skip a meal, 63% until less than you thought should, 53% were hungry but did not eat, 52% ran out of food, 29% went without eating for a whole day. • During the best months of the year, 48% of farmers eat food produced in their fields, 38% bought it, 8% received or made some exchange and 5% did not eat. • During the worst months of the year, 49% of farmers eat purchased products, 41% depend on what they produce, 7% do not eat, and 6% depend on offers. • Last year 44% of farmers received aid from the government, NGOs, or other organizations. Of those who received, 89% received agricultural inputs, 44% received food, 2% received money and or animals. • The assisted farmers raise 50% chickens, 30% goats, 20% cattle and less than 10% raise pigs. Farmers in Manica Province raise more goats and cattle while in Sofala Province raise more Chickens and Goats.