Annual Reports

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    1999 IFDC Annual Report
    (2000-08) IFDC
    The IFDC's accomplishments and contributions to agricultural development are emphasized in this report. In order to address the global demand for increased food production in developing nations, especially in the tropics and subtropics, IFDC was founded. The center's main goals are to support small-scale farmers and address the crucial role that plant nutrients play in food production by improving fertilizer efficiency and knowledge transmission. The report highlights the value of working with scientists, educators, and farmers in developing nations while also acknowledging the significant roles played by important people and organizations throughout IFDC's history. It lists the initiatives for technology transfer and capacity building through international training programs that are carried out by IFDC. The importance of inorganic fertilizers to global agriculture is also covered, as is the IFDC's role in encouraging their use to boost food production. It draws attention to the increasing reliance on fertilizers, especially in low-income nations, and emphasizes the necessity of sustainable development as well as initiatives to eradicate hunger and poverty.
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    2000/01 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2001-09) IFDC
    Open to the public, IFDC is a global nonprofit dedicated to carrying out its activities independently and with a strong scientific basis. IFDC was founded in 1974 with the goal of furthering the cause of global food security. The Center's goal is to advance agricultural productivity in a sustainable way by creating and sharing effective, ecologically friendly plant nutrition technology and agricultural marketing expertise. The Center has conducted technology transfer efforts in numerous countries. The IFDC has assisted countries in improving institutional capacity and human resources through more than 600 training programs. Its team of scientists and experts provides a unique blend of applied research skills and technology transfer. The Center's features include training facilities, labs, greenhouses, pilot plants, and libraries.
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    2001/02 IFDC Corporate Report
    (IFDC, 2002) IFDC
    The goal of the IFDC initiative in Afghanistan, which is highlighted in this study, is to guarantee Afghan farmers have access to sufficient quantities of high-quality fertilizers. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing funding for the project, which aims to keep the agricultural market stable by permitting local dealers to distribute fertilizers. Over 70,000 farmers received fertilizer vouchers for an improved variety of wheat seeds through cooperation with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the International Medical Corps (IMC), ACTED, FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance, GRSP, and Solidarites. Local dealers accepted the coupons for redemption, and IFDC repaid them. 3,500 metric tons of urea fertilizer were to be distributed as part of the initiative throughout seven regions in central, eastern, and northeastern Afghanistan. The fertilizer is given to farmers who then reimburse the town committee or shura for the cost, with the money raised going toward regional development projects. Three primary issues are also addressed by IFDC: farmers' limited access to credit, transportation obstacles brought on by great distances and bad roads, and the lack of information about contemporary agricultural methods. In addition to offering farmers training, the concept involves local dealers in educating their clientele. The project projects how much fertilizer will be needed in the fall of 2002 to sustain wheat production on about 680,000 hectares of irrigated land.
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    2002/03 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2003) IFDC
    The goals IFDC are to combat global poverty, promote economic growth, end hunger, and safeguard the environment. With the goal of improving and sustaining the lives and livelihoods of underprivileged communities around the world, IFDC combines state-of-the-art research and development. The organization's specialties are in research, market development, and training, which allow for the creation and execution of customized programs to meet regional demands and difficulties. The eight theme programs of IFDC, which serve as the cornerstone of its operations, are summarized in this paper. Institutional Development, Fertilizer Materials, Soil and Nutrient Dynamics, Integrated Intensification, Input Accessibility, Policy and Market, and Human Capacity Building are some of these programs. Every program has a distinct purpose and advances the IFDC's objective of improving agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner. The goal of the Institutional Development Program is to create and support a private sector that is the engine of agricultural productivity. The program for the development of economic and policy knowledge is designed to foster an environment that is favorable to agricultural markets. The Fertilizer Materials Program creates environmentally friendly production methods and conducts research on effective fertilizer use. By increasing nutrient utilization and soil fertility, the Soil and Nutrient Dynamics Program seeks to promote food and fiber production. To improve fertilizer efficiency and reduce environmental concerns, the Integrated Intensification Program encourages the use of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technology. Adopting technology packages and making institutional adjustments are among the regional-level solutions for managing soil fertility that are the focus of the Input Accessibility Program. In order to increase soil fertility, the Policy and Market Program aims to create favorable policies and socioeconomic settings. Finally, in order to improve agricultural competitiveness globally, the Human Capacity Building Program highlights the significance of education, skill development, and training. With technology transfer operations in more than 130 countries and training programs that support the development of institutional and human resource capacity in 150 nations, IFDC has a proven track record. The organization has developed the Integrated Soil Fertility Management package, introduced cutting-edge fertilizer technology, and established successful private-sector agricultural systems.
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    2003/04 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2004) Amit H. Roy
    The creation and accomplishments of IFDC, which was established in reaction to the world food crisis of the 1970s, are highlighted in this report. Aware that food-deficit nations must boost their food production, IFDC concentrates on creating fertilizers and fertilizer techniques appropriate for tropical and subtropical areas. The center's original objectives included increasing fertilizer efficiency, making use of locally available resources, creating suitable technologies, and offering developing nations technical assistance and training. The work of IFDC covered a wide range of topics, such as phosphate and nitrogen studies. The goal of nitrogen research was to reduce the amount of nitrogen that fertilizers lose while creating new fertilizer products and crop-management techniques for tropical and subtropical regions. Characterizing phosphate rock deposits, creating beneficiation methods, and figuring out how to use local phosphate resources profitably were the main goals of phosphate research. In nations including Colombia, Brazil, India, and Tanzania, IFDC's work has lowered production costs and raised agricultural productivity. Through the encouragement of workable private agricultural input and output marketing systems, IFDC also made a substantial contribution to market development. Restructuring Bangladesh's fertilizer industry, which resulted in self-sufficiency in rice production and significant cost savings, and developing a thriving market economy in Albania's agricultural sector, which led to higher crop yields and growth driven by the private sector, are two notable triumphs. Moreover, IFDC has taken a leading role in technology transfer programs that help nations all over the world adopt market-driven policies and boost productivity. As an illustration, consider the effective reorganization of Petroquimica de Venezuela and its shift to a market-driven business, which resulted in higher fertilizer output and notable cost reductions.
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    2004/05 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2005) IFDC
    Sub-Saharan Africa faces numerous challenges in agricultural marketing, including underdeveloped markets, lack of coordination among actors, limited market integration, and scarcity of managerial competencies. The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) has developed the Competitive Agricultural Systems and Enterprises (CASE) approach as an innovative solution. CASE combines diverse farming systems and commodity chains, catering to various actors' requirements. CASE promotes sustainable intensification and market development by integrating farmers and entrepreneurs into supply chains. The approach has yielded positive results in small pilot projects across West Africa, with thousands of farmers adopting improved technologies and experiencing increased incomes and crop yields. The CASE approach also focuses on capacity building, empowering clusters of farms, enterprises, and institutions along commodity chains. Furthermore, IFDC's Strengthening Market Information Systems and Traders' Organizations in West Africa (MISTOWA) project enhances market transparency. It reduces trade constraints by improving regional market information systems and supporting trader and producer organizations. The project has significantly strengthened market information systems and facilitated trade linkages. Lastly, IFDC's involvement in Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan highlights its efforts to rebuild agricultural markets, provide emergency relief, and develop private sector networks to improve agribusiness prospects. These examples demonstrate IFDC's commitment to sustainable agriculture and economic growth in various regions.
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    2005/06 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2006) IFDC
    Soil nutrient mining is a pressing issue in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by poverty and population growth. Approximately 95 million hectares of farmland in Africa are losing significant amounts of plant nutrients each year, with nutrient depletion rates exceeding 60 kg of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) per hectare in many areas. This depletion is primarily caused by factors such as poor soil fertility and low usage of improved seeds and mineral fertilizers. The consequences of soil nutrient mining are far-reaching, including reduced crop productivity, food insecurity, increased malnutrition, and youth migration to urban areas. The implications of soil nutrient mining necessitate urgent action to conserve resources and develop effective policies. Soil fertility restoration practices should be implemented, including measures to control soil erosion, promote the recycling of crop residues and organic matter, and improve livestock management. Policy strategies should focus on enhancing the availability and affordability of both organic and mineral fertilizers. Additionally, using advanced tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), simulation models, and weather forecasting can aid in monitoring and managing soil nutrient levels. Efforts to address soil nutrient mining must also consider the broader context of agricultural input markets. Access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products is crucial for enhancing productivity, and therefore, developing input markets is essential. Training programs for agricultural input dealers have improved their product knowledge, safety awareness, and business management skills. Furthermore, legislation and standardization are necessary to ensure the quality and labeling of agricultural inputs, promoting fair trade and consumer trust. To achieve sustainable agricultural development, it is essential to improve farmers' technical skills and input access and establish robust market linkages. Market-oriented programs that connect farmers to local and global markets have demonstrated significant potential for increasing crop yields, enhancing income levels, and driving overall agricultural growth. Such programs should encompass a holistic approach that integrates technical innovations, market development, policy support, and access to market information. The Soil and Nutrient Dynamics Program (SNDP) is vital in developing and promoting technologies, information, and decision support tools that enhance cropping systems' efficiency and soil and water resources. The program's key activities focus on improving water and plant nutrient management, advancing nutrient cycling and recycling, optimizing fertilizer use efficiency, promoting sustainable soil fertility management practices, and researching innovative fertilizers. Addressing soil nutrient mining and resource conservation in Africa requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including governments, research institutions, input dealers, and farmers. By implementing comprehensive strategies that integrate soil fertility management, market development, and policy support, it is possible to mitigate the negative impacts of soil nutrient mining, improve agricultural productivity, and foster sustainable development in Africa.
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    2006/07 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2007) IFDC
    IFDC's Agricultural Marketing and Production Support (AMPS) project in Afghanistan sought to improve the nation's agri-input system and boost farmer involvement in the production of permissible crops. With an emphasis on growing marketable crops, the project gave farmers in ten provinces agricultural inputs and post-harvest help. Funding for the initiative came from the Department for International Development (DFID) of the United Kingdom and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Increasing agricultural yields and quality, boosting crop marketing effectiveness, and expanding the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock's (MAIL) ability to assist farmers were among the goals of AMPS. Over 200,000 farmers got agricultural input packages under the project, and stringent testing was used to guarantee the quality of the fertilizers delivered to farmers. AMPS additionally aided in the formation of agri-input dealer groups and promoted farmer-dealer market connections. Because of AMPS's success, efforts to develop Afghanistan's agricultural market have continued under the Food for Agricultural Revitalization and Market Systems (FARMS) project and the Accelerated Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP). These programs sought to advance value addition in the agriculture industry, strengthen the agri-input marketing system even further, and increase irrigation techniques and crop productivity.
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    2007/08 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2008)
    Agricultural input dealers connect smallholder farmers to input and output markets. The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) implements programs that enhance the capacity of private sector networks to supply vital agricultural inputs to farmers at reduced costs. Producer organizations, representing farmers' interests and actively engaged in the value chain, often serve as agri-input dealers. Furthermore, developing robust market information systems is essential for commodity and input trade growth. IFDC's initiatives in market information systems aim to improve agricultural information generation, dissemination, and commercial use, enabling better monitoring of prices, production, trade, and the establishment of resilient commodity chains. This report highlights several IFDC projects and their accomplishments in different regions: 1. Agricultural Input Markets Strengthening Project (AIMS) in Mozambique: Promotion of private sector investment and competitive marketing of agricultural inputs. Key activities include business development, capacity building, technology transfer, and improved policies. Formation of an agro-dealers trade association and collaboration with regional partners. 2. Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program (APEP) in Uganda focuses on increasing farm productivity and improving the marketing of crucial food and cash crops. Training and technical support provided to agri-input dealers. Implement a fertilizer voucher program to improve smallholder farmers' access to inputs. 3. Marketing Inputs Regionally to Develop Agri-Input Markets in West Africa (MIR): Enhancing the affordability and accessibility of quality inputs in West Africa. Support for regulatory frameworks, association-building, and improved trade linkages. Initiatives to address bottlenecks in inputs for cotton production. 4. Agro-Dealer Network Development (AND) in Nigeria: Capacity building of agro-dealers in selected states. Implementation of a fertilizer voucher program and training on various topics. Efforts to improve access to subsidized fertilizer for smallholder farmers. 5. Strengthening Trade at the Regional Level in Agricultural Inputs in Africa (STAR): Focus on promoting regional input trade and market development. Capacity building, market linkages, and establishment of a market information system. Aims to reduce transaction costs and improve advocacy capacity. The report emphasizes IFDC's use of voucher programs to facilitate farmers' access to affordable inputs while supporting the growth of the private sector. Vouchers are "smart subsidies" that stimulate local markets and farmers' purchasing power. The material also underscores the importance of training and technical assistance in these programs, empowering agro-dealers and farmers to adopt new technologies and improve productivity.
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    2008/09 IFDC Corporate Report
    (2009) IFDC
    The global food crisis of 2007-2008 exposed the vulnerability of our ability to feed the world's growing population. Various factors contributed to the crisis, including drought, rising energy and production costs, population growth, increased demand for biofuels, and higher meat consumption in China and India due to income growth. The impact of the crisis is severe, affecting both the urban poor in developing countries and the poorest rural dwellers who depend on buying food. This crisis highlights the challenges of food insecurity and poverty worldwide, emphasizing the need for immediate action to assist the poorest populations and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Agriculture has now become a priority for development, given its importance to economies and employment in most developing countries. Fertilizer plays a crucial role in improving agricultural productivity, but the current methods of production and use are unsustainable due to soaring prices and energy demands. It is necessary to develop more efficient ways of providing vital nutrients to crops and collaborate with institutions working on crops that use nutrients more efficiently, are profitable, and contribute to environmental sustainability. The need for increased agricultural productivity is particularly urgent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where farmers struggle to produce enough food for their families, face unreliable and unprofitable markets, and have limited access to fertilizers and improved seeds. On the other hand, intensive rice production systems in Asia suffer from excessive fertilizer use, leading to pollution and reduced profitability.To ensure food security and poverty reduction, two challenges must be addressed. First, agricultural intensification is necessary on existing farmland by adopting high-yielding crop varieties, increasing fertilizer and input use, improving farm management, and enhancing market access. Simultaneously, efforts must be made to conserve resources and minimize pollution from agriculture, requiring more efficient use of nutrients. IFDC (International Fertilizer Development Center) is a nonprofit organization established in 1974 to tackle global food security challenges. It has expanded its programs to include input and output market strengthening in addition to focusing on fertilizer issues. IFDC aims to target fertilizer production and use to help achieve MDG 1, which focuses on eradicating extreme hunger and poverty by 2015. The organization emphasizes collaboration with the private sector, local partners, and capacity building to ensure sustainable development. IFDC's strategic objectives include increasing nitrogen use efficiency, improving crop yields, increasing farm income, and making directly applied phosphate rock as effective as water-soluble fertilizers. The organization strives to improve input and output market efficiency in developing countries, enhance the efficiency of water and nutrient delivery to crops, and develop farm enterprises' skills in managing agricultural production and marketing. Special initiatives focus on productivity in Africa, nitrogen efficiency, and phosphate efficiency. IFDC recognizes the importance of managing for results and plans to continuously improve human resource development, research capacity, and communication technology. It aims to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency through organizational audits. Lessons learned from the 2008 fertilizer crisis and the earlier crisis in 1974 highlight the need for preparedness and sustainable solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of volatile fuel, food, and fertilizer prices. The 2008 crisis had devastating economic and social consequences, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges to achieve global food security and poverty alleviation.
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    2009-2010 IFDC Annual Report
    (2010) IFDC
    The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) remains dedicated to addressing fertilizer-related issues to enhance global food security and promote sustainable agriculture development. Originally established as an outgrowth of the National Fertilizer Development Center (NFDC) of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), IFDC has expanded its mandate and reach. Founded in 1974, IFDC has become a leading science-based nonprofit organization focused on soil nutrient management and developing fertilizers and practices tailored to the needs of tropical and sub-tropical climates. Today, IFDC tackles critical global challenges such as food security, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and economic development through collaborative partnerships, research, training, and education. The organization's initiatives, including the Africa Productivity Initiative, aim to double crop yields and improve food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite progress, the challenge remains to produce more food while using fewer resources sustainably. IFDC aims to find solutions for a sustainable global food system.
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    2010 IFDC Annual Report
    (2011) IFDC
    This report highlights the efforts of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to extend the adoption of Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP)/UDP (Urea Deep Placement) technology in several impoverished countries in Asia and Africa. With a particular focus on Bangladesh, where rice cultivation dominates, implementing FDP/UDP technology addresses food security challenges, rural income growth, and resource conservation. By enabling farmers to achieve higher rice yields with reduced nitrogen fertilizer application, UDP technology contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by significantly reducing nitrogen losses compared to conventional fertilizer techniques. This innovative approach benefits farmers, the environment, and the economy. Supported by funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Government of Bangladesh, and the European Union, IFDC has collaborated closely with the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agricultural Extension, farmers, and the private sector to increase farmer awareness and use of UDP technology. IFDC has also facilitated the establishment of a micro-enterprise supply system to provide farmers with access to high-quality fertilizer known as Guti urea. IFDC's efforts in Bangladesh have been highly successful, with over 500,000 farmers adopting UDP technology through various projects. Using UDP has resulted in a substantial increase in rice production, individual income growth, and significant cost savings for the government. Furthermore, IFDC's projects in Bangladesh have significantly contributed to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). In addition to Bangladesh, IFDC has also implemented successful projects in the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on agribusiness development and land reclamation, and in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, aiming to improve farmers' access to modern agricultural inputs and technologies. Through capacity-building activities, training programs, and market linkages, IFDC has facilitated the establishment of agro-dealer networks and improved productivity and economic returns for smallholder farmers in these countries. Overall, IFDC's initiatives demonstrate the potential of FDP/UDP technology and its positive impact on agricultural productivity, sustainability, and rural livelihoods in developing countries. These efforts contribute to poverty reduction, food security, and the promotion of gender equity, ultimately fostering economic growth and stability in these regions.
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    2011 IFDC Annual Report
    (2012) IFDC
    Agriculture plays a crucial role in Africa, offering significant opportunities for economic growth among rural communities. However, to achieve this growth, there is a need for substantial increases in agricultural productivity, greater integration of smallholder farmers into markets, and improved access to services and agricultural inputs. The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) supports small-scale farmers transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming through the Competitive Agricultural Systems and Enterprises (CASE) solution. CASE focuses on integrating smallholder farmers into value chains centred around specific crops or commodities. IFDC strengthens smallholder farmers while supporting the growth of agro-input businesses, processing industries, and marketing sectors. CASE's critical elements include agribusiness cluster formation, value chain development, and capacity-building for public and private institutions. IFDC's projects, such as the From Thousands to Millions (1000s+) and Accelerating Agribusiness in Africa - Bridge (AAA-Bridge), have successfully utilized the CASE solution in North and West Africa. These projects have linked hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers to markets and facilitated the establishment of agribusiness clusters. Through partnerships with significant agro-industries, IFDC has strengthened public-private collaborations and helped farmers increase their productivity and income.
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    2012 IFDC Annual Report
    (2013-04) IFDC
    This report summarizes the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) strategic priorities and interventions in its efforts to support smallholder farmers in developing regions. The organization aims to facilitate the transition from subsistence to commercial farming, alleviate poverty, increase agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and improve nutritional health while protecting the environment. IFDC has developed a comprehensive strategic plan, which includes two primary objectives: 1) pioneering the development and dissemination of new technologies and practices related to plant nutrient performance, focusing on innovative delivery mechanisms for smallholder farmers worldwide, and 2) strengthening input and output markets to benefit smallholder farmers through the promotion of organized and efficient market systems, access to credit, and reliable market information. IFDC's interventions also encompass the development of more efficient fertilizer products, improving nutrient use practices, enhancing the efficiency of input markets, and improving the management capabilities and profitability of farm enterprises. The publication highlights specific projects and initiatives IFDC undertake in each intervention area, emphasizing the organization's commitment to sustainable agriculture, knowledge transfer, and private sector engagement.
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    2013 IFDC Annual Report
    (2013) IFDC
    This report highlights the transformative work of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in addressing global challenges related to food, nutrition, and economic stability over the past four decades. IFDC's strategic plan encompasses various pillars guiding their efforts to improve the lives of farmers and build resilient markets. One cornerstone of IFDC's work involves the development of more efficient fertilizers, exemplified by the widespread adoption of fertilizer deep placement in Bangladesh and sub-Saharan Africa. Through initiatives like the AAPI project, IFDC has witnessed increased rice yields, improved farmer incomes, and successful entrepreneurship in fertilizer briquetting. Furthermore, IFDC operates the Virtual Fertilizer Research Center, fostering collaboration among leading minds from universities, research laboratories, and the fertilizer industry to develop affordable and environmentally sustainable fertilizers with instant plant availability. IFDC also recognizes the importance of providing farmers with training in resource-conserving farming practices to enhance yields. Through projects like AAPI, CATALIST-2, and WACIP, hundreds of thousands of farmers and agro-dealers have received training, empowering them to adopt sustainable agricultural techniques. Timely access to affordable fertilizers and seeds is another crucial aspect addressed through IFDC's holistic market development strategy, which involves supporting private sector growth, facilitating access to loans and market information, and leveraging technology platforms such as AfricaFertilizer.org and AMITSA. IFDC's commitment to building profitable farming businesses includes training farmers in business management and fostering connections with financial institutions, markets, and fellow farmers. This approach empowers farmers, improves their market positioning, and amplifies their collective voice. The organization also focuses on enhancing the quality standards of agricultural products to increase farm competitiveness. Projects like 2SCALE and CFC-KIT work towards developing agribusiness groups and improving crop productivity in African countries. IFDC's advocacy efforts extend to policy development and implementation, where they strive to create enabling environments for market development and private sector participation. By analyzing economic factors, identifying opportunities, and advocating for fertilizer policy reforms, IFDC addresses barriers to reducing farm-level costs and ensuring a stable fertilizer supply. This report also highlights the significance of IFDC's nutrient management strategies, such as integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and biofortification, to improve productivity, protect the environment, and enhance human health and nutrition. Farmers' willingness to invest in soil fertility improvement is underscored, and IFDC's focus on embedding economic returns within ISFM strategies is emphasized to drive farmer adoption. Additionally, the report describes IFDC's commitment to effective communication and knowledge dissemination, ensuring policymakers and stakeholders benefit from their extensive expertise and data. Therefore, IFDC's holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture has brought about transformative change, improving the lives of farmers and building resilient markets. As they continue their mission to combat hunger, IFDC's strategic plan guides their efforts to address global food, nutrition, and economic challenges.
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    2014 IFDC Annual Report
    (2015-05) IFDC
    The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) has evolved from a fertilizer research institution to a comprehensive sustainable development organization. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, IFDC commemorated its journey and accomplishments. Thomas Hager's book, "Feeding a Hungry World: IFDC's First Forty Years," chronicles IFDC's history, highlighting its dedication to increasing agricultural productivity. The organization also organized events and workshops, including a 40th Anniversary Commemoration in Washington, D.C., and a celebration in Florence, Ala. Additionally, IFDC's Virtual Fertilizer Research Center (VFRC) collaborated with a global network of researchers and institutions to publish reports addressing various aspects of fertilizer use and efficiency. Furthermore, IFDC engaged in special initiatives and partnerships to promote sustainable agriculture and improve African fertilizer markets. The EurAsia Division (EAD) focused on enhancing agricultural productivity and rural incomes in Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, and Myanmar. These efforts aimed to contribute to food security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
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    2015 IFDC Annual Report
    (2016-05) IFDC
    This report describes different projects in different regions such as the Asia Division (EAD) and the East and Southern Africa Division (ESAFD) in 2015: Asia Division (EAD) Projects in 2015: Accelerating Agriculture Productivity Improvement (AAPI) in Bangladesh: Objective: Improve food security and accelerate income growth in Bangladesh by increasing agricultural productivity. Collaborators: Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture, private sector fertilizer and agro-input dealers, and farmers. Donors: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Walmart Foundation. Fertilizer Sector Improvement (FSI+) in Myanmar: Objective: Increase incomes and enhance food security for smallholder farmers in targeted districts in Myanmar. Collaborators: Syngenta, private sector fertilizer and agro-input dealers, farmers, local agribusinesses, and NGOs. Donor: USAID. Mitigating GHG Emissions from Rice-Based Cropping Systems through Efficient Fertilizer and Water Management in Bangladesh: Objective: Quantify GHG emissions and develop efficient fertilizer and water management technologies in rice-based cropping systems. Collaborator: Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI). Donor: Government of Bangladesh. Dry Zone Agro-Input and Farm Services Project in Myanmar: Objective: Strengthen a network of providers of agricultural inputs and services to enable commercial agricultural production and improve smallholder farmer incomes. Collaborators: Private sector agro-input dealers and retailers, private sector mechanization service providers, farmers, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, and Yoma Bank. Donor: Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). East and Southern Africa Division (ESAFD) Projects in 2015: Agricultural Growth Program - Agribusiness and Market Development in Ethiopia (AGP-AMDe): Objective: Improve farmers' access to inputs, develop the commercial input market, and promote adoption of yield-enhancing inputs in Ethiopia. Lead Implementing Partner: ACDI/VOCA. Collaborators: Coffee Quality Institute, Crown Agents USA, Danya International, John Mellor Associates, Kimetrica, farmer-based organizations, and private sector agribusinesses. Donor: USAID. Agricultural Input Market Strengthening (AIMS III) in Mozambique: Objective: Strengthen agricultural technology transfer, build private sector-led agro-input markets, and support a favorable policy environment for agriculture in Mozambique. Collaborators: National Directorate of Agrarian Services, National Directorate of Agricultural Extension, Mozambique Institute for Agrarian Research, Platform for Agricultural Research and Innovation in Mozambique, and private sector actors. Donor: USAID. Catalyze Accelerated Agricultural Intensification for Social and Environmental Stability-2 (CATALIST-2) in Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda: Objective: Promote agribusiness cluster development, market integration, and agricultural intensification to improve food security in the Great Lakes Region. Collaborators: NGOs, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Burundi), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (DRC), Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (Rwanda), and Centre for Development Innovation of Wageningen University and Research Centre. Donors: The Netherlands Directorate-General for International Cooperation, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rwanda, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Rwanda. Catalyze Accelerated Agricultural Intensification for Social and Environmental Stability-Uganda (CATALIST-Uganda): Objective: Increase smallholder incomes and enhance food security through improved productivity and market access development in Uganda. Collaborators: Farmer-based organizations, NGOs, and the Uganda Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
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    2016 IFDC Annual Report
    (2017-05) IFDC
    The Resilient Efficient Agribusiness Chains (REACH) Uganda project, funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aims to strengthen market engagement and agriculture support services for over 40,000 farmers and agribusinesses in Uganda's rice and potato value chains. Through sustainable integration into commercial supply chains, REACH-Uganda will connect smallholder farmers with lead firms and small and medium enterprises. The project builds upon the success of previous initiatives, such as the CATALIST-Uganda project, and leverages farmer networks to establish effective business structures. By employing the Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) approach, REACH-Uganda seeks to create inclusive market systems that benefit resource-poor farmers. The project will provide technical assistance, capacity building, and enhanced market access to improve productivity and profitability for farmers. Additionally, REACH-Uganda aims to build resilience within the value chains, reducing risks from market and climate shocks. The project expects to link 30,000 farmers to lead firms and small- and medium-sized enterprises, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between farmers and businesses. Furthermore, REACH-Uganda emphasizes promoting the participation of women and youth in the potato and rice value chains. With collaborative efforts from partners such as Cardno Emerging Markets, the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, the National Agricultural Research Organization, and the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), REACH-Uganda seeks to achieve its outcomes, including increased market-oriented farming, improved yields, financial objectives for farmer groups, enhanced resilience, supportive regulatory environments, and increased utilization of agricultural support services. The project's investment is expected to generate a significant positive impact, with REACH farmers projected to generate six euros in income for every euro donors invest.
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    2017 IFDC Annual Report
    (2018-07) IFDC
    People in Burundi are no strangers to challenge. With 90% of the 11.4 million people relying on subsistence agriculture and food shortages in different periods during the agricultural seasons, serious interventions are needed to boost production and enable farmers to bring their food to market. However, challenges such as political unrest, susceptibility to climate change, soaring malnutrition, substantial post-harvest losses, and severe issues with erosion make agricultural progress in Burundi an uphill battle. Despite these challenges, people in Burundi show true resilience. Since 2012, IFDC has worked with smallholder farmers, financial institutions, and government leaders to increase agricultural productivity significantly. Many farmers have adopted IFDC methods and technologies, and now PAPAB continues IFDC’s efforts in the country.
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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.