Abstract
The International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) aims at optimizing nitrogen (N) use in food and energy production, while minimizing environmental risks. In Africa, nitrogen management must address the ‘too little’ and ‘too much’ paradox. Too little nitrogen is used in food production, which has led to chronic food insecurity and malnutrition. Conversely, too much nitrogen load in water bodies due mainly to excessive soil erosion, leaching, limited nitrogen recovery from wastewater, and from atmospheric deposition, still contributes to eutrophication in some areas. Significant research has been conducted to improve N use for production, whereas little has been done to be effective in addressing the ‘too much’ issue. The current research gaps must be addressed, and supportive policies operationalized, to maximize nitrogen benefits, while reducing the negative impacts of nitrogen on the environment. Innovation platforms involving key stakeholders in Africa are required to address the full chain of nitrogen use efficiency.
Keywords
- Africa
- International Nitrogen Initiative
- Nitrogen management
- Nitrogen use efficiency
- Eutrophication
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all the stakeholders who participated in the African Centre workshop organized on 4–5 November 2014 and acknowledge the financial support of the International Nitrogen Initiative management during the workshop. The facilitation of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) is also highly appreciated. The authors gratefully acknowledge preparatory funding toward the establishment of the International Nitrogen Management System (INMS) East Africa Demonstration Activity.
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Masso, C., Bekunda, M., Mngube, F.M. (2020). The INI African Regional Nitrogen Centre: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa. In: , et al. Just Enough Nitrogen. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58065-0_31
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