Alleviating fertilizer policy constraints to increased fertilizer use and increased food production in West Africa

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, sustainable economic growth and development, food security, and fair income distribution are possible only if there is sustained growth in agricultural production. The influx of commercially imported or donated foodgrains has helped many governments to maintain a policy of low food prices, usually for the benefit of the vocal urban dwellers. Such practices tend to kill the incentive for increased local production of foodgrains or for the increase in the use of inputs needed to improve the productivity of the farming systems.

High degree of state control in the handling of fertilizers, existence of subsidies which put undue strain on national treasuries, lack of good infrastructures, relatively small markets and poorly developed research and extension systems are some of the constraints that prevent the optimal use of fertilizers in West Africa.

Overcoming the constraints requires total commitment by governments, collaboration with the private sector as well as with the donor community and the development of carefully thought-out fertilizer policy instruments. The various measures needed for an effective policy are interrelated and must be undertaken simultaneously to ensure success.