Research

This project is working with the key stakeholders along the agricultural value chain in 8 Eastern and Southern Africa countries to promote consolidation and dissemination of ISFM information.Project countries include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.

Question 1. Can Africa feed itself? Agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa is hampered by low use of inputs such as improved seeds and mineral fertilizers, low inherent soil fertility in much of the continent, and nutrient-depleted soils. Farmers have traditionally cleared land, grown a few crops, and then moved on to clear more land, leaving the land fallow to regain its fertility.

Our objective is to demonstrate the use and value of fertilizers and other ‘best agricultural practices’ (i.e. improved seed, crop protection and tillage system) to help Mozambican farmers move from subsistence to commercial farming.

Food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) results from low crop productivity linked to low fertilizer use and multiple soil nutrient deficiencies.

IPNI is collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency in a project to develop best management practices for water and nutrients in the production of maize in southern Malawi using both conventional and isotopic techniques.

Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) is a fundamental concept to improve crop productivity in smallholder farming systems in a sustainable manner. ISFM encompasses the use of improve crop varieties and application of mineral fertilizer in combination with various organic resources.

Exploring impact of soil type and resource management on village-scale soil organic matter gradients

IPNI is joining efforts with the Africa Soil Information Services Project led by the Tropical soil biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF-CIAT) to diagnose soil health problems and develop site specific nutrient management recommendation for cropping systems in Africa