Background information/Issue to be solved
Agricultural productivity in Africa is low due to low soil fertility, especially phosphorus, while imported fertilizers are very expensive compared to other parts of the world. In Burkina Faso, there is 100,000,000 ton of phosphate rock (PR) underutilized due to its low quality. Effective utilization of this PR resources must contribute to increasing agricultural productivity in Burkina Faso.
Form of social implementation/Future perspective
The project will propose a new effective and less expensive fertilizer domestically produced. The proposal is expected to be adopted by a fertilizer plant being planned in Burkina Faso. Through dissemination of national fertilizer to farmers, agricultural productivity must increase, contributing to food security.
Outline of the project
The project conducts research activities with National Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA), Burkina Faso. By calcination or partial acidulation, soluble and less expensive phosphorus fertilizer utilizing Burkina PR is proposed. Effects of newly developed fertilizer are tested at different agro-ecological zones in Burkina Faso. Fertilization techniques are improved at the same time. After validation, dissemination possibility of new fertilizers by farmers is evaluated with participatory approach. In addition to them, effective direct utilization techniques of raw PR are also investigated. Above all, comprehensive PR utilization strategy is proposed. This development strategy, "Burkina model", is shared with other African countries for future expansion.