Organic fertilizers are becoming increasingly popular in African farming as they offer a number of benefits. Organic fertilizers are made from plant- or animal-based materials such as manures, leaves, and compost that are either by-products or end products of naturally occurring processes. This means that organic fertilizers are more sustainable than chemical fertilizers, which can damage the environment. Additionally, organic fertilizers help to improve soil fertility and structure, leading to increased crop yields and improved food security for African farmers. Furthermore, organic fertilizers can help to reduce the risk of soil erosion and water pollution. By using organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones, African farmers can ensure their crops remain healthy while also protecting the environment.
Organic fertilizers provide African farmers with a number of benefits. They are more sustainable than chemical fertilizers, as they are derived from natural materials such as animal waste and compost. This means that they can be produced locally, reducing the cost and environmental impact of importing synthetic fertilizers from overseas. Organic fertilizers also help to improve soil health, increasing yields and providing better nutrition for crops. Additionally, organic fertilizers can reduce the risk of water contamination, as they do not contain harmful chemicals or pollutants. By using organic fertilizers, African farmers can improve their yields while protecting their local environment.
Africa is making strides in increasing its capacity to utilize organic fertilizers. According to the Africa Fertilizer Map 2019, fertilizer production is expanding in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with Nigeria set to more than triple urea capacity to 5.7 million tonnes by 2022. Additionally, Global average fertilizer use was 137 kilograms per hectare in 2018; in many countries in SSA, the figure was less than 20 kilograms per hectare. Furthermore, Nigeria recently launched Africa’s largest fertilizer plant with a capacity of 3 million metric tons annually. The consumption volume of these crops was 3.0 million metric tons in 2021, valued at USD 7.80 billion.
Despite this progress, Africa still lags behind other countries across the globe when it comes to fertilizer use and yields. In 2019, cereal yields in SSA were only one-third of the global average yield and one-fourth of the average yield for developed countries. This is why organizations such as IFDC are working hard to promote fertilizer production and cross-border trade across Africa through initiatives such as AfricaFertilizer.org which sources, cleans and disseminates data on the African Continent since 2009.
Overall, while there has been some progress made towards increasing Africa’s capacity to utilize organic fertilizers, there is still much work that needs to be done before it can reach its full potential.