2023 Ghana Fertilizer Statistics Validation Workshop And Visualizing Insights of Fertilizer for African Agriculture Feedback Meeting
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Date
2023-03
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Abstract
The meeting held on March 2-3, 2023, in Sogakope, Volta Region, Ghana, brought together 33 participants from public, private, and NGO sectors to discuss key issues related to fertilizer use and management. The objectives were to validate and process 2022 statistical data on fertilizer production, imports, exports, and consumption, as well as to update historical statistics from 2010-2021. The expected outcomes included the validation of 2022 fertilizer data, the preparation of statistical output tables, and the creation of key highlights for dissemination among stakeholders.
The methodology involved a series of presentations, discussions, and group work sessions. Participants engaged with the Visualizing Insights on Fertilizer for African Agriculture (VIFAA) dashboard to review and validate available data. The first day featured an opening ceremony with remarks from representatives of various organizations, followed by key presentations on fertilizer trade statistics, the validation methodology for 2022 datasets, and updates on the "Planting for Food and Jobs" initiative. Discussions highlighted challenges such as the need for lime in fertilization practices, the importance of accurate data collection, and the potential for online platforms to facilitate data sharing.
On the second day, an interactive session recapped the previous day's activities before diving into further presentations. Notable highlights included a 103% increase in fertilizer imports in 2022 and the introduction of the Africa Trade Exchange Platform. Participants addressed challenges like smuggling of subsidized fertilizers and quality concerns amid rising prices due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting underscored significant investments in local fertilizer blending plants and a 90% rise in apparent fertilizer consumption from 2021 to 2022, emphasizing the pressing issue of fertilizer affordability. The discussions fostered essential dialogue on data validation, market challenges, and the future of fertilizer management in Ghana.
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Agriculture, Fertilizers