2013 IFDC Annual Report
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Date
2013
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Abstract
This report highlights the transformative work of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in addressing global challenges related to food, nutrition, and economic stability over the past four decades. IFDC's strategic plan encompasses various pillars guiding their efforts to improve the lives of farmers and build resilient markets. One cornerstone of IFDC's work involves the development of more efficient fertilizers, exemplified by the widespread adoption of fertilizer deep placement in Bangladesh and sub-Saharan Africa. Through initiatives like the AAPI project, IFDC has witnessed increased rice yields, improved farmer incomes, and successful entrepreneurship in fertilizer briquetting. Furthermore, IFDC operates the Virtual Fertilizer Research Center, fostering collaboration among leading minds from universities, research laboratories, and the fertilizer industry to develop affordable and environmentally sustainable fertilizers with instant plant availability. IFDC also recognizes the importance of providing farmers with training in resource-conserving farming practices to enhance yields. Through projects like AAPI, CATALIST-2, and WACIP, hundreds of thousands of farmers and agro-dealers have received training, empowering them to adopt sustainable agricultural techniques. Timely access to affordable fertilizers and seeds is another crucial aspect addressed through IFDC's holistic market development strategy, which involves supporting private sector growth, facilitating access to loans and market information, and leveraging technology platforms such as AfricaFertilizer.org and AMITSA. IFDC's commitment to building profitable farming businesses includes training farmers in business management and fostering connections with financial institutions, markets, and fellow farmers. This approach empowers farmers, improves their market positioning, and amplifies their collective voice. The organization also focuses on enhancing the quality standards of agricultural products to increase farm competitiveness. Projects like 2SCALE and CFC-KIT work towards developing agribusiness groups and improving crop productivity in African countries. IFDC's advocacy efforts extend to policy development and implementation, where they strive to create enabling environments for market development and private sector participation. By analyzing economic factors, identifying opportunities, and advocating for fertilizer policy reforms, IFDC addresses barriers to reducing farm-level costs and ensuring a stable fertilizer supply. This report also highlights the significance of IFDC's nutrient management strategies, such as integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) and biofortification, to improve productivity, protect the environment, and enhance human health and nutrition. Farmers' willingness to invest in soil fertility improvement is underscored, and IFDC's focus on embedding economic returns within ISFM strategies is emphasized to drive farmer adoption. Additionally, the report describes IFDC's commitment to effective communication and knowledge dissemination, ensuring policymakers and stakeholders benefit from their extensive expertise and data. Therefore, IFDC's holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture has brought about transformative change, improving the lives of farmers and building resilient markets. As they continue their mission to combat hunger, IFDC's strategic plan guides their efforts to address global food, nutrition, and economic challenges.
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Keywords
Fertilizers, Food security, Soil fertility, Agribusiness