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- ItemFeeding Africa’s soils: Fertilizer policy(2019) Joseph Rusike; Oumou CamaraFertilizer production and utilization in Africa are profoundly influenced by governmental policies at both national and regional levels. These policies have extensive ramifications across the fertilizer value chain, including finance availability, pricing, institutional arrangements, infrastructure development, and market dynamics. Despite substantial investments and policy efforts, Africa still faces challenges in achieving agricultural transformation through improved fertilizer use. This chapter explores the significance of policy and regulatory frameworks in shaping fertilizer industries, detailing policy formulation processes and implementation experiences across selected countries in Africa. It highlights the prevalence of subsidies as a key policy tool but also delves into the myriad challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles, financial constraints, market inefficiencies, and regulatory shortcomings. The chapter emphasizes the need for private sector involvement, market competitiveness, and policy reform to address these obstacles and enhance fertilizer accessibility, quality, and affordability for smallholder farmers. Furthermore, it examines the complexities of policy development and implementation, emphasizing the technical and political dimensions involved. The chapter concludes with insights into specific country experiences, offering a comprehensive overview of fertilizer policy landscapes, regulatory mechanisms, and ongoing challenges in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi.
- ItemFeeding Africa’s soils: Fertilizer subsidies(2019) Mahamadou Nassirou Ba; Marie Claire Kalihangabo; Joseph Rusike; Oumou CamaraFertilizer promotion programs in Africa have undergone significant evolution since their inception in the 1970s. Initially characterized by direct government expenditures and interventions to stimulate fertilizer demand and usage, these programs faced challenges of sustainability and effectiveness. Structural adjustment programs in the 1990s led to the discontinuation of many of these programs, only to witness a resurgence following the 2006 Abuja Declaration on Fertilizers. This resurgence saw the implementation of targeted subsidy programs across several African countries, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity. The phases of evolution encompassed top-down government management, liberalization, private sector expansion, and recent shifts towards market-based systems. Today, most sub-Saharan African countries have some form of subsidy program in place, albeit with varying degrees of government involvement and private sector participation. As governments transition towards regulatory roles, the focus is on improving subsidy program design, implementation, and performance. Smart subsidy programs, private sector involvement, investment in supporting infrastructure, and complementary measures are highlighted as key strategies for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of fertilizer subsidy programs in Africa.
- ItemAssessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Tanzania(2018-06) IFDC; AfapThis 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.
- ItemAssessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Rwanda(2018-06) IFDC; AfapThis 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.
- ItemAssessment of Fertilizer Distribution and Opportunities for Developing Fertilizer Blends: Mozambique(2018-06) IFDC; AfapThis 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.