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- ItemMaking Fertilizer Blends in Small Batches(2021) Wendt John; Genga Quintar; Ngunjiri MercyIn this informative training video, Wendt, Genga, and Ngunjiri guide viewers through the process of creating customized fertilizer blends in small batches, catering specifically to trials and demonstrations. The video offers valuable insights and practical knowledge for those involved in agriculture, research, or education. The video begins by introducing the concept of fertilizer blending and highlights its significance in optimizing crop nutrient management. It underscores the importance of tailored nutrient formulations to meet specific agricultural goals, such as enhancing crop yield, improving soil fertility, or addressing nutrient deficiencies. Throughout the presentation, the presenters walk viewers through a step-by-step process, from selecting the raw materials and understanding nutrient content to utilizing blending equipment effectively. Clear and concise instructions are provided, ensuring that viewers gain a thorough understanding of the blending procedure.
- ItemInternational Women’s Day 2022: Breaking Biases in Science and Agriculture(2022) Ngunjiri Mercy; Genga QuintarIn commemoration of International Women's Day 2022, Quintar Genga and Mercy Ngunjiri delivered a thought-provoking presentation that addressed the critical issue of gender biases within the fields of science and agriculture. The video shed light on the unique challenges and contributions of women in these sectors and the collective efforts needed to break down persistent biases.
- ItemVoucher Schemes for Enhanced Fertilizer Use: Lessons Learned and Policy Implications(2012-01-25) Ian Gregory; David RohrbachThis presentation delves into the efficacy, challenges, and policy implications of voucher schemes aimed at enhancing fertilizer use in agriculture. It scrutinizes historical perspectives, ranging from the universal application of traditional fertilizer subsidies during the Green Revolution to their subsequent pitfalls. Through case studies from various countries like Malawi, Ghana, and Tanzania, the presentation evaluates the outcomes of voucher programs in terms of poverty reduction, food security, and market development. Key considerations include clear program objectives, farmer targeting, private sector involvement, and the necessity of a minimum three-year implementation period. Lessons learned underscore the importance of holistic market development, efficient targeting, and sustainable exit strategies. The presentation concludes by discussing future directions, including the exploration of smart vouchers and ICT-based systems, alternative exit strategies, and third-party monitoring for improved management.
- ItemModeling the Effects of Input Market Reforms on Fertilizer Demand and Maize Production: A Case Study of Kenya(2016) Megan Sheahan; Joshua Ariga; Thomas S. JayneKenya is one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa experiencing an impressive rise in fertilizer use on food crops grown by smallholder farmers since the liberalization of input markets starting in the early-1990s. The impacts of these reforms and associated private sector investments on national fertilizer use and food production have never been rigorously quantified, though doing so could shed new light on policy makers’ options for raising food crop productivity in the region. This study estimates a double-hurdle model of fertilizer demand that controls for common forms of unobserved heterogeneity then simulates the effect of changes in fertilizer prices and distances from farm to the nearest fertilizer retailer associated with fertilizer market liberalization on the demand for fertilizer and the production of maize, the major staple crop in the country. The study concludes that over the period 1997-2010 the reduction in real fertilizer prices associated with input market liberalization is estimated to have raised maize yields by 15 to 100 kg/ha, depending on the province and year. Low average physical response rates of maize to fertilizer application in high fertilizer consuming areas of Kenya limits the degree to which increased fertilizer use via liberalization policies translates into food production improvements. These increases in maize yield specifically linked to changes in fertilizer prices accounted for between 1 and 11 percent of changes in maize production between survey years.
- ItemCotton Fertilizer in West Africa(2022-11-10) Patrice AnnequinThis study examines the rapid expansion of the fertilizer market in West Africa, focusing on key metrics related to consumption, production, and utilization for cotton cultivation in eight countries. The fertilizer market has experienced substantial growth, with consumption doubling since 2010. However, a crisis in 2022 has resulted in a significant shortage of fertilizer in the region. The paper explores the dynamics of cotton production in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, and other West African countries, highlighting the challenges and variations in social contexts. The analysis includes forecasts for cotton acreage and production, with emphasis on fertilizer consumption patterns. The study also delves into the distribution of fertilizer use across countries, revealing that the top four nations account for 85% of total consumption. Additionally, the research explores the fertilizer consumption per country for cotton production, detailing the specific NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) grades used. The paper concludes with an investigation into the strategies employed for fertilizer procurement and distribution in West African countries, particularly during crisis times. The study suggests improvements in procurement processes, trade finance, subsidy programs, and nutrient use efficiency to enhance the overall fertilizer market in the region.