Digital Data and Tools Empower African Farmers

Summary:
Africa’s 33 million smallholder farmers need to triple fertilizer use over the next decade to double agricultural production and meet the growing demand for nutritious food. The 2006 Abuja Declaration set a target of 50kg/ha, but current usage is only 18kg/ha. The Association of International Research and Development Centres for Agriculture (AIRCA) and the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) emphasize the role of digital data and tools in optimizing fertilizer use. CABI’s initiatives, like the Fertilizer Optimization Tool and the Africa Soil Health Consortium (ASHC), highlight the importance of integrated and sustainable agricultural practices. The African Union aims to provide targeted agronomic recommendations to 70% of smallholder farmers by 2034, while also promoting sustainable and responsible fertilizer use to improve soil health and food security.