Strengthening the Capacity for Dissemination of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technologies in East and Southern Africa

IPNI-2013-SSAP-1

There is growing multi-sector interest to support small holder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to increase crop productivity through improved access to fertilizer and improved seeds. It is recognized that an integrated approach to soil fertility management (ISFM), encompassing optimal use of organic resources, fertilizer and improved seed varieties, and adapting these to site-specific biophysical and socio-economic conditions is central to sustainable crop production. Read more


Year of initiation:2013
Year of completion:?
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Interpretive Summary

Despite the potential of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies to improve crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), adoption by farmers has been very limited. The underlying challenges include poor integration of existing knowledge and lack of effective knowledge products for farmers, extension agents and policy makers.

The Soil Health Consortia project is funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and implemented by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) in partnership with more than 200 institutions and over 1000 individual stakeholders. The partners are drawn from the private sector (fertilizer and seed companies), agricultural research institutions, policy organs, advisory services, and development partners.

Despite the potential of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies to improve crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), adoption by farmers has been very limited. The underlying challenges include poor integration of existing knowledge and lack of effective knowledge products for farmers, extension agents and policy makers.

Over the last five decades, research trials have demonstrated opportunities for doubling and tripling yields of both cereals and legumes when appropriate Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies are used in locations where they are best suited. Despite the potential of ISFM technologies to improve crop productivity in SSA, adoption by farmers has remained low.

Yields of food crops in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) have stagnated at approximately 1 t/ha over the last five decades, mainly as a result of infertile soils and low nutrient use. Efforts to solve this problem have focused on the development of various integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies adapted to smallholder farming systems.

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Updates & Reports

2013

About

2013

Project Description


Project Leader

Shamie Zingore, International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI)


Project Cooperators

Rebbie Hararwa


IPNI Staff

S. Zingore


Location

Africa


Topics

education

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