This archive report was first published on 7 December 2019.
Published on December 7, 2019, Dr Rebbie Harawa, head of soil and fertiliser systems at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (Agra), spoke to Leopold Obi about how farmers can boost soil fertility through effective use of fertilisers.
Many soils in Africa are infertile, too acidic, or degraded, making it challenging for farmers to achieve optimal crop yields. Dr Harawa recommends integrating inorganic fertilisers and organic manures from animal and crop sources, as well as incorporating cereal and legume rotations.
A new report by Agra, titled 'Feeding Africa's Soils', urges farmers to use fertilisers in greater quantities to boost crop production. However, some studies have linked increased fertiliser use to rising soil acidity. Dr Harawa advises farmers to use balanced fertilisers, guided by soil testing, and to apply agricultural lime where soils are acidic.
She also stresses the importance of integrating fertiliser use with organic manures to reduce the acidifying effect. To make fertiliser subsidy programmes work efficiently, Dr Harawa recommends 'smart subsidies' that include better targeting, the use of e-vouchers, and private sector involvement in distribution.
Despite progress in increasing fertiliser use in Sub-Saharan Africa, from an average of 8kg of nutrient per hectare in 2006 to 17kg of nutrient per hectare in 2018, the region still lags behind the target of 50kg nutrient per ha set by African Heads of State at the Africa Fertiliser Summit in 2006.
