IFDC Report, Volume 35, No. 4
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Date
2010
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Abstract
This report focuses on two critical aspects of global agriculture: the availability of phosphate rock resources and innovative projects to improve agricultural productivity in different countries. The study "World Phosphate Rock Reserves and Resources" by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) provides insights into the current status of global phosphate rock reserves, highlighting the importance of this non-renewable resource as a primary source of phosphorus for plant growth. Contrary to speculation about dwindling reserves, the report indicates that, based on current consumption rates, phosphate production is expected to remain viable for the foreseeable future. However, given the finite nature of phosphate rock, the report emphasizes the need for global efforts to develop more efficient mining and processing technologies and to maximize the utilization of phosphate-based products and waste while minimizing environmental impact. The report also presents case studies of various projects supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by IFDC. These projects aim to enhance agricultural productivity and address food security challenges in different regions. The Accelerating Agriculture Productivity Improvement (AAPI) project in Bangladesh focuses on technology diffusion, particularly fertilizer deep placement (FDP) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) for rice production. In Kyrgyzstan, the Agro-Input Enterprise Development Follow-On Project builds on a market-based response to the food crisis, providing farmers with improved seed varieties, livestock feed, and fertilizer. The Local Economic Development Project (KLDP) in Kyrgyzstan stimulates economic growth in the agriculture and processing sectors through investment, reforms, and best practices. These projects demonstrate the positive impact of targeted interventions on smallholder farmers' livelihoods and the broader agricultural sector.
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Keywords
Maize, Sustainable agriculture, Food security, Phosphate minerals