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    A Generic Methodology for Calculating Water and Nutrient Requirements for Attaining Target Crop Yields
    (2013) Sjaak Conijn; Joost Wolf; Huib Hengsdijk; Katrien Descheemaeker; Bindraban, Prem S.
    This research presents a generic methodology for assessing water and nutrient requirements to achieve target crop yields, focusing on nitrogen fertilizer requirements as a case study for maize in Africa. The methodology combines crop modeling, weather, and soil data to calculate potential yields and input gaps. Preliminary results indicate the additional fertilizer nitrogen needed to reach 80% of rainfed potential yields and the associated nitrogen losses. The study also highlights the need for collaboration to refine and validate the methodology, incorporating factors like weather variability and soil water balance.
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    A Taxonomy-Based Approach to Shed Light on the Babel of Mathematical Models for Rice Simulation
    (2016) Roberto Confalonieri; Simone Bregaglio; Myriam Adam; Françoise Ruget; Tao Li; Toshihiro Hasegawa; Xinyou Yin; Yan Zhu; Kenneth J. Boote; Samuel Buis; Tamon Fumoto; Donald Gaydon; Tanguy Lafarge; Manuel Marcaida; Hiroshi Nakagawa; Alex C. Ruane; Balwinder-Singh; Upendra Singh; Liang Tang; Fulu Tao; Job Fugice; Hiroe Yoshida; Zhao Zhang; Lloyd T. Wilson; Jeff Baker; Yubin Yang; Yuji Masutomi; Daniel Wallach; Marco Acutis; Bas Bouman
    For most biophysical domains, differences in model structures are seldom quantified. Here, we used a taxonomy-based approach to characterise thirteen rice models. Classification keys and binary attributes for each key were identified, and models were categorised into five clusters using a binary similarity measure and the unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean. Principal component analysis was performed on model outputs at four sites. Results indicated that (i) differences in structure often resulted in similar predictions and (ii)similar structures can lead to large differences in model outputs. User subjectivity during calibration may have hidden expected relationships between model structure and behaviour. This explanation, if confirmed, highlights the need for shared protocols to reduce the degrees of freedom during calibration, and to limit, in turn, the risk that user subjectivity influences model performance.
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    Accelerating Farm Incomes (AFI) Baseline Report: Building Sustainable Soil Health, Markets and Productivity in Telangana State, India
    (2020-04) IFDC
    Context The Government of India (GoI) aims to double farmers’ income during the next five years through various policies and strategies along with innovative technologies. A number of strategies are identified to promote sustainable intensification in terms of improving soil quality, applying integrated nutrient management, strengthening extension network, improving quality of livestock, promoting horticulture, etc. While most of these strategies are directed toward sustainable intensification, they are also likely to improve viability of agriculture. Apart from the government, private sector, private-public partnerships, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives are being encouraged in this direction. The Walmart Foundation awarded the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) a development project titled “Accelerating Farm Incomes (AFI): Building Sustainable Soil Health, Markets, and Productivity in Telangana State, India. This AFI project has a 34-month intervention strategy starting in October 1, 2019. It is designed to strengthen and reorient agricultural production systems in the peri-urban agriculture (PUA) and rural areas of the Telangana State, India. The AFI project is being implemented in three districts of Telangana State – Mahabubnagar, Medak, and Rangareddy. The project aims to directly and indirectly enhance the productivity of 90,000 farmers by 25% and income by U.S. $200 per year. Directly the project would cover 30,000 farming households. It will contribute substantially to technology diffusion, capacity building, and micro-enterprise development. The project is expected to achieve an immediate impact on improved yields and increased farmer income through improved resource use efficiency and linking farmers with markets. Emphasis is on dissemination of good agricultural practices (GAPs), including improved technologies, to PUA farmers. The diffusion of improved technologies requires attention to both demand- and supply-side issues – to create farmer awareness and improve knowledge of the use and benefits of GAPs and technology (a precursor to demand growth) and concurrently to stimulate entrepreneurial investment in agro-input and quality product supply. A baseline survey is required to understand the current demographic situation and socio-economic conditions of the farm families, including current agriculture production and soil fertility management practices, and cropping systems, as well as market requirements and existing gaps. AFI Baseline Report 2 The baseline assessment will help identify appropriate interventions and forms the basis for monitoring and evaluation. The baseline data will be used to measure project impacts as defined by the results indicators, such as increased yields of selected crops, gross/net margins of farmers, increasing area under GAPs (use of good quality seed, balanced doses of fertilizers, and micronutrients, irrigation management, maintaining proper spacing in crop plantation, etc.), number of farmers reached by the project, and increased use of balanced fertilizers and soil amendments (micronutrients and organic soil amendments). The baseline will also help identify the existing market infrastructure and avenues in the project locations, number of markets/bazaars, trade organizations, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), supermarkets, etc. The focus will be on tracing the value chain for rice, vegetable crops, maize, and pulses. Approach For the purpose of the baseline survey, 1.3% of the targeted 30,000 households, i.e., 397 households, were covered in the three sample districts as per their respective size (number of farming households). As per the share of farm households, one mandal (sub-district) each in Rangareddy and Medak and two in Mahabubnagar were selected. In each mandal, villages were selected using the criteria of distance from the town/marketplace. The sample villages represent closest, farthest, and mid-reach locations (to markets). A sample of 33 households was covered in each village, keeping 10% leverage for poor responses. Accordingly, the sample size in Rangareddy district worked out to be 132,165 in Mahabubnagar and 100 in Medak. The sample is drawn in proportion to the actual distribution of farm-size classes in the sample villages to represent small, marginal, medium, and large farmers. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Qualitative data were collected at the community and village levels. Qualitative methods, such as focus group discussions (FGDs), key informant interviews (KIIs), etc., were used to capture the perceptions pertaining to GAPs at the community level (FGDs) and with local (mandal) officials, extension workers, etc. (KIIs). The analysis was carried out at two levels – village/community level and household level – for various economic (farm size) groups in order to understand differences in performance. Qualitative assessment was used to complement as well as validate the quantitative analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the yield gaps of various crops. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the factors responsible for the existing yield gaps among the farmers. Production function analysis also helped to understand the resource allocation efficiencies. Results and Discussion The analysis helped in understanding the context, status, potential, and constraints for improving farm incomes in the selected districts. The following is a summary ofsome of the important aspects in this regard. These may be taken as pointers for designing the future interventions. 1. Some of the peri-urban villages are fast becoming urban in nature, as agriculture is no longer a priority. Farmers are more interested in non-farm avenues and unlikely to continue AFI Baseline Report 3 agriculture and learn GAPs. In fact, there may not be much cultivable land left for agriculture. While planning the interventions, the villages need to be assessed for their interest and demand for such interventions in order to avoid inefficient use of resources. 2. Land is not a constraining factor while water is a constraint. Water use efficiency is low, as most farmers allocate their water to water-intensive paddy crop, and they adopt flood irrigation. Though some farmers use micro irrigation (MI), it is mainly due to the subsidies they receive and area covered is marginal. There is good scope for improving water use efficiency and crop production through promotion of less water-intensive crops. Given the scarce water conditions coupled with heavy dependence on groundwater, there is potential to promote micro irrigation in the region. 3. Marginal and small farmers account for more than 75% of the farming households. They do not appear to have advantages in terms of access to resources, use of inputs (including labor), access to markets, etc. They no longer have the edge over medium and large farmers in terms of yield rates (land productivity). And, they are at a disadvantage position in terms of net returns. Focusing the interventions on these farmers would provide a better return on investment. 4. All the sample villages adopt a combination of two crop – paddy-pulses (red gram); paddyjowar; cotton-pulses (red gram); and paddy-maize. There are no major changes in cropping pattern in recent years. Only paddy and a few vegetables are grown during rabi season and the crop intensities are about 120%. Reallocation of water may help to increase the crop intensities. At present, area under vegetable crops is very marginal; the scope for increasing the area under vegetable, especially in the peri-urban locations, needs to be assessed and promoted for enhancing farm incomes. A shift away from paddy to low water-intensive crops with micro irrigation can substantially improve the area under protective irrigation and crop yields. Even the existing crops, such as cotton and maize, could be provided with one or two irrigations, which could enhance their productivity substantially. 5. Present input use is highly biased toward chemical fertilizers with nominal organic (farmyard manure [FYM]) applications. Farmers are not very familiar with using other organic manures, such as vermicompost, green manure, etc. There is a clear need for increasing the application of organic matter (at least doubling). Promoting vermicomposting and green manure preparation activities at the household level for self-consumption as well as a business model could be explored. 6. Labor is the single largest component of the cost composition. Of late, labor has become a constraining factor in the so-called labor surplus economy. Any crop changes or technology interventions need to consider this. That is, labor-intensive (even marginally) crop practices may not be acceptable or sustainable. Profit gains must be substantial in order to make them adoptable. 7. Given the low share of fertilizers in the total cost composition, there is little incentive to reduce or fertilizer use or use efficient fertilizer technology. At the same time, improved soil nutrition AFI Baseline Report 4 management could enhance productivity of some crops, such as cotton. Building awareness among farmers might help adoption of GAPs in this regard. 8. At the aggregate level, maize is the most profitable crop but is not grown everywhere. Constraints for expanding the area under maize need to be explored. However, blanket crop shifts may not be sustainable, as observed in the case of paddy and cotton in Mahabubnagar. While cotton is more profitable than paddy in all other locations, they are equal in Mahabubnagar. 9. Access to markets in the sample villages continue to be traditional (high dependence on traders and middlemen). Farmers neither use nor are aware of e-markets nor are they linked directly to urban markets or supermarkets. There are no FPOs functioning in the region. In the absence of evolved market systems, it is difficult to promote new crops, such as vegetables. Establishing better market linkages with improved price realization is critical for improving farm incomes. 10. The yield gap analysis indicates that there are wide variations in yields of various crops. These variations could be observed within the village, between the villages, and between the districts. This points to the potential for increasing the yield rates in the given agroecological and technological context. Bridging the yield gaps through adoption of GAPs in the present crop systems could result in a 9% increase in household income from agriculture. This can be further increased by reallocating the area under crops. Reallocating more area to cotton from other crops or reallocating the water from paddy (by reducing the area under paddy) to other crops could further increase the net gains. Gains from the latter (reallocating water) may increase the gains from the cotton crop as well. 11. There are wide variations in adoption of some of the GAPs across the farm households, villages, and districts. Low rates of GAP adoption and/or wide variations in adoption across farmers indicates the potential for reducing the yield gaps. 12. Factors explaining the variations in yield rates suggest that better soil nutrition and pest management practices could help enhance yields and incomes in crops such as cotton. Overall, there is potential for improving input management for enhanced crop performance. GAPs need to focus on soil nutrition and pest management practices. At the same time, labor and water are the main constraints and, hence, adoption of labor- and water-saving methods and approaches would be acceptable to the farming communities. 13. Apart from crop production, livestock rearing is a potential source of household income. In some of the sample villages, the share of livestock income in the total household income is as high as 20%. Identifying the potential and constraints for increasing the share of livestock in household income in the other villages could be a viable proposition. Increasing livestock holdings has the dual benefits of increasing the availability of FYM (organic matter) and providing regular cash income at the household and village levels. Besides, small farmers appear to gain more from livestock rearing. 14. Analysis of labor contribution in crop production confirms the “feminization of agriculture” argument, as women’s labor account for two-thirds of total labor use in crop production. Also, AFI Baseline Report 5 some of the villages have substantial number of women farmers. Women farmers/workers face different problems when compared to their male counterparts and, hence, their needs are expected to be different. Understanding their requirements and providing exclusive support (training and technologies) to them is critical for improving their conditions. The baseline assessment provides insights into the status and context of the three sample districts. Crop production in the sample villages is driven by resource and market constraints with little or no support from extension services. As a result, resource allocation inefficiencies and unsustainable farm practices are widespread. There is potential to increase farm income through better allocation of resources, enhancing input productivities, and greater price realization. Water use efficiency could be improved by shifting to low water-intensive crops and water-saving techniques (micro irrigation). This could be achieved within the existing cropping pattern and/or introducing new crop/farming systems that are acceptable and profitable to the farmers. Livestock farming is a viable complementary livelihood activity, which requires water, fodder, and market support. Labor availability appears to be a major constraint in these villages and, hence, any new intervention must take this into account. Improving access to markets and creating value chains need a broader policy push. Promotion of FPOs and other direct marketing arrangements at the village or cluster level could be prioritized. This would incentivize farmers to shift to nontraditional crops, such as vegetables, that are less water-intensive and more remunerative.
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    Accelerating Farm Incomes (AFI): Building Sustainable Soil Health, Markets and Productivity in Telangana State, India: OCTOBER 2019-SEPTEMBER 2020
    (2020) IFDC
    This report presents the progress of the Walmart Foundation's development project, "Accelerating Farm Incomes (AFI): Building Sustainable Soil Health, Markets, and Productivity in Telangana State, India," implemented by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC). The project aims to strengthen and reorient agricultural production systems in peri-urban agriculture (PUA) and rural locations of Telangana State through technology diffusion, capacity building, and micro-enterprise development. The report highlights the achievements and outcomes during the first year of implementation (October 2019 - September 2020). It outlines the key issues addressed, including increasing productivity, introducing site-specific technologies, and creating access to viable marketing pathways for farmers' produce
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Ghana
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This assessment investigates the state of the fertilizer sector in Ghana, focusing on soil fertility management, fertilizer distribution, and opportunities for developing fertilizer blends. Interviews with key stakeholders and review of relevant documents were conducted to understand current practices and challenges. The assessment reveals deficiencies in essential nutrients across various regions and identifies existing fertilizer products, recommending improvements for better crop-specific formulations. It highlights the need for capacity building, technical support for trials, and investments in soil analysis. The assessment also examines the fertilizer distribution structure, noting dependence on subsidies and challenges in the supply chain. Recommendations include advanced training, technical support for trials, and investment in soil analysis capacity to improve fertilizer availability and distribution efficiency.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Mali
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This assessment delves into the fertilizer sector in Mali, focusing on interviews with 50 key stakeholders from both public and private sectors. It examines policy documents, regulatory frameworks, and fertilizer recommendations, particularly for staple crops like maize, millet, sorghum, and cowpea. The study reveals the availability of soil information, fertilizer inventories, distribution networks, and opportunities for developing fertilizer blends. Key findings include the dominance of subsidized fertilizers, limited private market participation, and challenges in supply chain management. The analysis identifies gaps in soil information, formulation optimization, and regulatory enforcement. Recommendations include collaborative research efforts, capacity building, and policy interventions to enhance fertilizer availability and effectiveness.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Mozambique
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This evaluation assesses the availability, distribution, and suitability of fertilizers in Mozambique, focusing on staple crops in AGRA priority zones. Discussions with key stakeholders, literature review, and soil analysis data from various sources inform the assessment. Findings reveal limited fertilizer diversity and suboptimal formulations, particularly the prevalent use of the 12:24:12 formulation. Recommendations include aggregating soil data, supporting blender optimization, independent evaluation of fertilizer options, promoting step-wise entry strategies, and enhancing awareness among farmers and agronomists. Addressing fertilizer distribution bottlenecks is crucial for improving access to quality fertilizers for smallholder farmers.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Rwanda
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This study provides a comprehensive analysis of fertilizer availability, distribution, and usage in Rwanda, focusing on staple crops such as maize, rice, potatoes, and soybeans. Drawing on interviews, data reviews, and soil nutrient maps, it evaluates existing fertilizer recommendations, their suitability for different crops and agro-ecological zones, and identifies gaps in current distribution systems. The study highlights the role of government recommendations, private sector involvement, and ongoing initiatives in promoting the availability of appropriate blended fertilizers. Additionally, it addresses policy bottlenecks affecting fertilizer access and proposes interventions to improve the formulation, distribution, and regulation of blended fertilizers in Rwanda.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Tanzania
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This report explores the opportunities for developing fertilizer blends in Tanzania by analyzing available soil information, inventories of fertilizers in the market, and the rationale behind fertilizer formulations. Discussions with various stakeholders, including AFAP, SAGCOT, Britam, NAFAKA project, and fertilizer companies such as Yara and Minjingu, informed the assessment. Soil acidity correction, fertilizer distribution, and recommendations for different crops are discussed, highlighting the suitability of existing formulations and identifying gaps in area and crop-specific blends. Recommendations for AGRA interventions include investing in soil mapping, conducting trials on blended fertilizers, and enhancing national research capacity. The report also addresses bottlenecks in fertilizer distribution and suggests policy interventions to facilitate the availability of blended fertilizers in Tanzania.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution Systems and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Ethiopia
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This assessment explores fertilizer distribution and opportunities for developing fertilizer blends in Ethiopia. Key informants, including representatives from various agencies and institutes, were interviewed, and relevant documents were reviewed. Soil mapping conducted by the Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) and EthioSIS provides detailed soil information for various regions. However, the formulation of available fertilizers in Ethiopia lacks validation and may not accurately address soil deficiencies. The assessment highlights gaps in current fertilizer recommendations, particularly regarding micronutrient content and application rates. Challenges in fertilizer distribution systems and interventions to improve access to quality fertilizers are also discussed.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution Systems and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Kenya
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This report assesses the distribution of fertilizers in Kenya and explores opportunities for developing fertilizer blends to address crop-specific nutrient demands. It examines the availability of soils data, fertilizer use patterns, and the emergence of multi-nutrient fertilizers in the market. The analysis includes recommendations for staple crops such as maize, sorghum, pulses, and potatoes, considering their nutrient requirements and agro-ecological zones. Key gaps in translating soils data into actionable insights and challenges in fertilizer distribution systems are identified. The report proposes interventions to improve fertilizer availability, promote quality blends, and address distribution bottlenecks, with a focus on leveraging partnerships and building capacity in the fertilizer sector.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution Systems and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Malawi
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This assessment explores fertilizer distribution and development opportunities in Malawi, drawing from interviews with key informants and document reviews. It investigates available soil information, fertilizer inventories, and the rationale behind fertilizer blend development. The study examines fertilizer recommendations for key crops such as maize, rice, and soybeans, evaluating their suitability and the efficacy of different formulations. Challenges including limited soils data, government regulations, and the need for tailored regional formulations are highlighted. Key findings suggest a need for comprehensive soil analyses and tailored fertilizer formulations to optimize crop yields in Malawi.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution Systems and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Nigeria
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This assessment focuses on the Nigerian fertilizer sector, examining key stakeholders, policy and regulations, and soil information. Interviews were conducted with representatives from various organizations, and documents related to fertilizer recommendations for crops like soybean, cassava, rice, maize, and groundnut were reviewed. Soil information, particularly on acidity and nutrient levels, was gathered, and maps developed by different programs were analyzed. The assessment highlights the challenges posed by leached acid soils and drained acid sulfate soils in different regions. The study also evaluates the distribution of fertilizers in Nigeria, presenting an inventory of available fertilizers in the market, including types, trade names, and crops they are applied to. The development of fertilizer blends is discussed, emphasizing the rationale behind their formulation and the dominant use of the 20:10:10 blend. The analysis suggests that the current fertilizer distribution system is influenced by government initiatives, particularly the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI). Soil fertility recommendations for staple crops (maize, rice, cassava, soybean, and groundnut) are examined, revealing gaps and inefficiencies in the existing formulations. The assessment emphasizes the need for balanced crop nutrition research and suggests interventions to address these gaps. The potential and challenges of the Nigerian fertilizer market are outlined, with a SWOT analysis of key players in the distribution chain.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution Systems and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Uganda
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This assessment explores the fertilizer landscape in Uganda, focusing on key informants, soil information, fertilizer use, and distribution channels. Interviews with experts like Dr. Kayuki Kaizzi and representatives from fertilizer providers were conducted. Soil information from projects like IFDC CATALIST-Uganda highlighted deficiencies in S, Zn, and B. Fertilizer use data for 2016 and crop-specific recommendations are presented, emphasizing the dominance of 17:17:17, especially in sugarcane. The rationale behind existing fertilizer products is discussed, with a focus on NPK formulations. Evaluation of fertilizer recommendations for staple crops indicates deficiencies in meeting secondary and micronutrient requirements. The study identifies gaps in soil information, formulation testing, and awareness of secondary/micronutrient deficiencies. Existing fertilizer companies like Grainpulse, ETG, Yara, and potential entrants like TTFA are outlined. The need for collaborations and interventions to address information gaps, develop best-bet blends, increase awareness, and improve distribution systems is emphasized. Recommendations include filling soil information gaps, conducting best-bet evaluations, increasing farmer knowledge, and addressing bottlenecks in distribution systems. Partnerships with companies, government programs, and international organizations are suggested to promote balanced fertilizer use in Uganda.
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    Assessment of Fertilizer Distribution Systems and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends:Burkina Faso
    (2018-06) IFDC; Afap
    This study examines the fertilizer distribution system and opportunities for developing fertilizer blends in Burkina Faso, focusing on key actors in both public and private sectors of the fertilizer value chain. Structured interviews were conducted with major importers, producers, distributors, and public service entities, supplemented by secondary data on policies and regulations. While there is limited soil analysis data available, efforts such as the OCP mobile laboratory aim to address this gap. Analysis of fertilizer consumption patterns reveals a heavy reliance on cotton and maize, prompting the development of crop-specific blends to meet varied regional demands. Recommendations include best-bet trials, collaboration between research institutions and industry players, and investments in national capacity for soil analysis. Despite government subsidies mainly benefiting cotton production, the study suggests that the growth in fertilizer consumption will likely come from private sector development, driven by increased productivity awareness among farmers.
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    Assessment on the Effectiveness of Technology Transfers Through the USAID-AIMS Project in Mozambique Agricultural Input Markets Strengthening (AIMS) III
    (2015-06) Latha Nagarajan; Alexander Fernando; Wilson Leonardo; Aniceto Matias; Ginga Goncalvez
    Mozambique is a low-income developing country with 80 percent of the population engaged in agriculture and dominated by smallholders. The Mozambican government has noted that development of the agricultural sector is fundamental for improving food security and reducing poverty and has implemented several programs to revitalize and strengthen the agricultural sector. Yet agricultural productivity still remains low with yields averaging less than 1 ton/ha for major cereal crops. Some of the major challenges are use of subsistence farming practices and very low use of quality seed of superior varieties, mineral fertilizers and crop protection products. Farmers’ access to extension services is very limited and has declined over the past decade: 13 percent of farmers had access to extension services in 2003, and only 8.3 percent had access in 2008 (MINAG, 2010). The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Agricultural Input Market Strengthening (AIMS) project, in all its phases of operations since 2006, has effectively demonstrated and disseminated technologies relating to seeds (high-yielding varieties and hybrids), crop management techniques (spacing, tillage, intercropping), improved nutrient management techniques (fertilizer blends, herbicide application) and post-harvest technologies to improve the profitability of smallholder agriculture in a sustainable way. AIMS, in the last seven to eight years of its operation in Mozambique, has used different approaches in transferring technologies related to soil fertility management based on the needs of the micro-niches or location and crops. AIMS technology transfer mechanisms can be described as both demand-driven (farmer-conducted demonstrations) as well as supply-driven (agrodealer-conducted demonstrations) to enhance the accessibility and availability of fertilizers and other agro-inputs to smallholders. The survey sampled from 516 farmers in the Beira and Nacala corridors who benefitted indirectly through field days and farmer-to-farmer interactions from 168 farm demonstrations conducted through AIMS between 2009 and 2013 related to soil fertility management. These were conducted exclusively in 12 districts in three provinces (Manica, Sofala and Nampula). Additionally, demonstrations were conducted through agro-dealers during AIMS phase II (104 agro-dealers) and in phase III, partnering with the Sustainable Development Organization for Agriculture and Markets (AGRIMERC) (100 agro-dealers). AIMS project also partnered with Farm Input Promotions (FIPS) recently toward disseminating soil fertility-related technologies on an extensive scale to 36,000 smallholders, using starter or test kits in Manica province. With these partnerships, technologies were transferred through farmers and agrodealers in 23 districts from five provinces – Manica, Sofala, Zambezia, Tete and Nampula. The current assessment was undertaken knowing the effectiveness of technology transfers through the USAID-funded AIMS project in the last five to six years in Beira and Nacala corridors. Such an assessment would provide a few key meaningful insights on streamlining technology-related rollouts – in particular, on soil fertility management issues in the target areas – along with the opportunity to understand small farmers’ access to and demand in the use of agro-inputs. Considering the logistical limitations on time and resources, we decided to conduct the assessment on technology transfers through AIMS and its partners in 14 districts from four provinces, viz., Manica, Sofala, Tete and Nampula. On analyzing the effectiveness of AIMS technology transfers, we were able to compare three groups of farmers, viz., direct beneficiaries, or lead farmers of AIMS who conducted demonstrations in their fields, and indirect beneficiaries who attended the field days conducted by the AIMS direct farmers. We compared these two categories with – a “control” group of farmers who had no previous exposure to farm demonstrations conducted by AIMS or other projects. The assessment also included responses from AIMS partners such as FIPS and AGRIMERC, through whom technologies were disseminated among farmers. Our final assessment sample consists of farmers (143) and agro-dealers (18), covered through AIMS, AGRIMERC and FIPS programs from Beira and Nacala corridors. The final assessment sample is made up of 54 AIMS direct beneficiaries, 25 indirect AIMS farmers and 23 (control group) non-AIMS farmers. In addition, we interviewed 41 farmers who benefited from applying FIPS-technology input kits and agro-dealers who conducted successful demonstrations in partnership with AGRIMERC.
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    Availability of Urea for Blending of NPK - A Matter of National Security.
    (2024)
    This publication explores the critical issue of urea availability in Nigeria, emphasizing its significance for agricultural productivity and national security. Despite Nigeria's capacity to produce urea, farmers face severe limitations due to its scarcity, hampering the utilization of blending facilities for NPK fertilizers. The paper examines the historical context of government interventions in fertilizer supply, particularly the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative (PFI), which aimed to enhance local blending capabilities and reduce dependence on imports. However, challenges persist, including high domestic prices linked to export parity and insufficient prioritization of local markets by urea manufacturers. This analysis highlights the socio-economic implications of urea scarcity, including its effects on food security, rural development, and industrial growth. Recommendations for policy actions are proposed, focusing on ensuring local supply quotas, negotiating fair pricing for urea, and implementing an export tax regime to prioritize domestic needs.
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    Beyond N and P: Toward a Land Resource Ecology Perspective and Impactful Fertilizer Interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa
    (2015-02) Roelf L. Voortman; Bindraban, Prem S.
    Crop plants require essential nutrients to grow and produce economic yields, and nutrient deficiencies can hinder growth and yield. While some nutrients may be present in the soil, they may not be readily available to crops. Plants have developed various mechanisms, such as root exudation and mutualistic relationships with soil biota, to acquire nutrients. However, in many cases, the application of appropriate fertilizers is necessary to achieve significant yield improvements. This paper focuses on the unique agricultural challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, where the use of inorganic fertilizers remains limited compared to other tropical regions. It discusses the importance of considering nutrients beyond nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in fertilizer research and the potential for low-dose fertilizer technologies to address nutrient deficiencies. The paper presents data from case studies in the Miombo woodland biome of Central-South Africa, highlighting the diversity of soil conditions and the need for site-specific fertilizer interventions. It also explores the role of essential plant nutrients like calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, and Zn) in improving crop yields. While data limitations exist, the paper suggests that a broader spectrum of essential nutrients should be considered in the development of fertilizer technologies for sub-Saharan Africa.
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    Bridging the Gap in Quality and Quantity of Seed Potatoes through Farmer Managed Screen Houses in Uganda
    (2016-12-06) Arinaitwe Abel Byarugaba; Kyooma John; Rwaheru Ambrose Aheisibwe; Tibanyedera Deo; Alex Barekye
    Quality seed potato is a key factor in enhancing potato yields in Uganda. Available disease-free seed potato accounts for less than 5% of the whole potato seed market demand in Uganda leaving 95% as seed availability gap. This study was conducted to explore the potential of using farmer managed screen houses to alleviate the seed potato availability gap that exists in Uganda. Six screen houses of 7 m × 14 m each with capacity of 1620 plants were set up, three (3) screen houses in Bukimbiri, one (1) in Kisoro, one (1) in Hamurwa and one (1) in Maziba sites. All the sites were managed by trained six famers. Sterilized soil was used to reduce the incidence of pathogens and to ensure that clean minitubers were produced. Seed production was done in 2015 for two consecutive seasons (A and B). From the 6 screen houses, a total of 107,638 clean mini-tubers were generated across the sites for both seasons. At multiplication ratio of 1: 9 the generated mini-tubers have the potential of generating 968,742 tubers. This would reduce on existing seed gap for the next season. It was noted during the study that mini-tuber production, vigour and rate of growth varied significantly (P<0.001) across the varieties with ‘Rwangume’ achieving the highest yield in terms of tuber number per plant and height, compared to other 4 varieties (Kiningi, Rwashaki, Kachpot 1 and Victoria). This study showed that production of disease free mini-tuber at farmer level is possible using screen house technology and has a potential of reducing the seed availability gap through production of quality seed that can be accessed by other farmers.
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    Cartographie de la Fertilite des Sols du Burundi et des Besoins des Principales Cultures Vivrieres en Elements Nutritifs
    (2020) Oscar Nduwimana; Zacharie Nzohabonayo ; Cyrille Hicintuka; Marcien Nibasumba
    Les plantes obtiennent leurs nutriments du sol par absorption sélective, et ces nutriments sont classés en éléments majeurs, en éléments secondaires et en oligo-éléments. Les éléments majeurs, également connus sous le nom de macronutriments ou d'éléments de base, comprennent l'azote (N), le phosphore (P) et le potassium (K), qui sont absorbés en quantités significatives par les plantes et constituent les principaux composants des engrais chimiques. Les éléments secondaires, tels que le calcium (Ca), le soufre (S) et le magnésium (Mg), ne sont pas absorbés dans la même mesure que les éléments primaires, mais jouent un rôle crucial dans la croissance et la production des plantes. Les oligo-éléments, tels que le bore (B), le chlore (Cl), le cuivre (Cu), le fer (Fe), le manganèse (Mn), le molybdène (Mo) et le zinc (Zn), sont absorbés en très petites quantités, mais leur absence peut entraîner des symptômes de carence. Le Burundi présente une variété de types de sols dans différentes régions naturelles, mais la distribution des nutriments est très hétérogène, certains sols étant fertiles et d'autres moins. La présence d'un nutriment dans le sol ne garantit pas son absorption facile par les plantes ; cela dépend de l'équilibre avec d'autres nutriments et de diverses réactions du sol. Ce document présente une cartographie actualisée de la fertilité des sols pour des nutriments tels que N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu et B. Il inclut également le pH du sol et le pourcentage de saturation en acides, qui influencent la disponibilité des nutriments. De plus, le document fournit des recommandations quant aux quantités de ces nutriments à ajouter au sol pour répondre aux besoins de six cultures vivrières majeures au Burundi, à savoir le maïs, les haricots, le manioc, les pommes de terre, le riz et le blé. Cette cartographie actualisée de la fertilité des sols sert d'outil pour formuler de nouvelles recommandations de fertilisation des sols pour le Burundi. Un protocole d'échantillonnage des sols a été établi, impliquant des points d'échantillonnage géoréférencés répartis dans toutes les provinces et régions naturelles, afin d'assurer la fiabilité des résultats d'analyse et des travaux de cartographie ultérieurs.