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Mineral fertilizers in the farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa. A review

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Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), traditional farming methods have led to severe nutrient depletion, low crop yields, and poverty, leaving many farm families disappointed. The situation is aggravated by low use of fertilizers by farmers, lack of policy and institutional support, weak fertilizer markets, farmers’ lack of access to credit and inputs, inappropriate fertilizer packaging sizes, deteriorating soil science capacity, and weak agricultural extension. This leads to a huge gap between the actual and potential crop yields and widespread poverty. Opportunities, options, and innovations are available to turn around this situation and reduce poverty in Africa. We reviewed the status of agricultural soils of sub-Saharan Africa, the factors contributing to their current status, and the existing and emerging opportunities for addressing the soil fertility challenges. The major points are (1) the soils in SSA have continued to be characterized by huge and widespread negative nutrient imbalances and low productivity, and (2) the factors contributing to declining soil fertility in Africa are not abating. The way forward includes: balanced fertilization; input–output market development; improved crop management, and the use of nutrient budgets to inform policy and ensure that farmers and other land managers enjoy the profitable use of farm inputs including mineral fertilizers and agro-minerals.

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Abbreviations

AATF:

African Agricultural Technology Foundation

AE:

Agronomic efficiency

AEZs:

Agro-ecological zones

AfDB:

African Development Bank

AFFM:

Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism

BNF:

Biological nitrogen fixation

C:

Carbon

CA:

Conservation agriculture

CAN:

Calcium ammonium nitrate

DAP:

Di-ammonium phosphate

FAO:

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

FOB:

Free on board

FSR:

Farming Systems Research

IPNM:

Integrated Plant Nutrient Management

ISFM:

Integrated Soil Fertility Management

K:

Potassium

KARI:

Kenya Agricultural Research Institute

KCl:

Potassium chloride

Kg:

Kilogram

MoA:

Ministry of Agriculture

MoA-NAL:

Ministry of Agriculture National Agricultural Laboratories

N:

Nitrogen

NPK:

Nitrogen phosphorus potassium

OECD:

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development

P:

Phosphorus

PKS:

Phosphorus potassium sulfur

PPP:

Public–private partnership

PR:

Phosphate rock

SCODP:

Sustainable Community Oriented Development Programme

SSA:

Sub-Saharan Africa

SSP:

Single superphosphate

T&V:

Training and visit

TSP:

Triple superphosphate

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  1. Agriculture & Agro-Industry (OSAN) Department, African Development Bank, B.P. 323 – 1002, Tunis Belvedere, Tunis, Tunisia

    Jonas N. Chianu

  2. Unit 1, Pacific Residence, David Osieli Road, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya

    Justina N. Chianu

  3. TSBF-CIAT, c/o World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), UN Avenue, Gigiri, PO Box 30677, Nairobi, Kenya

    Franklin Mairura

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  1. Jonas N. Chianu
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Chianu, J.N., Chianu, J.N. & Mairura, F. Mineral fertilizers in the farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa. A review. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 32, 545–566 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13593-011-0050-0

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