Smart fertiliser, soil use key to food security, say experts
Low use of research data, inadequate application of fertiliser and lack of sound planning is contributing to the acute food shortage Africa is grappling with currently, say agricultural experts.
Farmers are using insufficient fertiliser despite the improved seeds they are buying from the market, a situation which is made worse by the escalating vagaries of climate change such as new diseases and pests. Participants at a two-day agriculture stakeholders’ meeting in Nairobi last week heard that the disconnect between the use of seeds and farm inputs has compromised food security in the continent.
International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) Chairman Namanga Ngongi said Africa is at a critical moment in history as it faces huge challenges while trying to transform its agriculture in the face of climate change.
CIFOR