Fertilizer Technical Working Group 2023 Fertilizer Statistics Validation Workshop Mozambique
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Date
2023-04
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Abstract
The AfricaFertilizer initiative, established in 2009, focuses on collecting, processing, and publishing fertilizer data in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with Fertilizer Technical Working Groups (FTWGs) created in 2012 across 11 SSA countries to validate and present statistics. A recent workshop held in Maputo, Mozambique, on April 26-27, 2023, brought together 28 stakeholders from public, private sectors, and NGOs to validate fertilizer statistics from 2015 to March 2023 and analyze more recent data. Key objectives included updating participants on the VIFAA dashboard and gathering feedback.
During the workshop, participants validated the fertilizer statistics but identified discrepancies in reported quantities between the Ministry of Agriculture and Customs, highlighting the need for improved data specificity to differentiate agricultural from non-agricultural uses. Currently, Mozambique relies on imports for blending, with no primary fertilizer production, and the import and export volumes have fluctuated significantly from 2015 to March 2023 due to factors like COVID-19 and geopolitical events. Moreover, Mozambique plays a critical role as a transit hub for fertilizers destined for neighboring countries, evidenced by high transit volumes.
However, challenges persist, including a lack of control over fertilizer quality, reporting issues among importing companies, and the need for better harmonization of data between the Ministry of Agriculture and Customs. High importation taxes and delays at ports further complicate the fertilizer supply chain. As a result, participants recommended organizing regular meetings with Customs to ensure detailed product descriptions, reassessing importation taxes to make local ports more attractive, and enhancing communication between relevant ministries to improve data collection. Additionally, it was suggested that the Mozambique fertilizer dashboard include transit data to accurately reflect the country's vital role in regional fertilizer distribution. The workshop underscored a shared commitment among stakeholders to improve the operations of the fertilizer industry in Mozambique, ultimately benefiting smallholder farmers.
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Smallholder farmers, Fertilizers