Making Fertilizer Use More Effective and Profitable: The Role of Complementary Interventions

DOWNLOAD

May 1, 2018 - Joseph S. Kanyamuka, Flora J. Nankhuni, Thomas S. Jayne and Moses W. Munthali

Joseph S. Kanyamuka, Flora J. Nankhuni, Thomas S. Jayne and Moses W. Munthali. May 2018. Making Fertilizer Use More Effective and Profitable: The Role of Complementary Interventions, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Research Brief 60. East Lansing: Michigan State University

KEY MESSAGES

  • Fertilizer use can be made more profitable with the inclusion of complementary interventions such as integrated soil fertility management practices that include integrating legumes in farming systems, crop rotation, application of organic manure in combination with inorganic fertilizers, and application of lime on acidic soils, among others.
  • By raising the efficiency of fertilizer use, these complementary interventions can expand the effective demand for fertilizers in a sustainable manner without dependence on subsidy programs.
  • Extension programs featuring good agronomic practices such as timely planting, correct and timely fertilizer application, timely weeding and proper plant spacing will also raise the efficiency of fertilizer use.
  • Effective implementation of these interventions will require public investments in agricultural research and responsive extension systems.
  • While typically considered outside the range of fertilizer promotion policies, public investment in road, rail-way and rural infrastructure and competitive behavior of the Malawi transport sector is another powerful way to boost fertilizer access by farmers.

DOWNLOAD FILE

Authors

You Might Also Be Interested In

Accessibility Questions:

For questions about accessibility and/or if you need additional accommodations for a specific document, please send an email to ANR Communications & Marketing at anrcommunications@anr.msu.edu.

Tag List
  • c4a,
  • collaborative in-country policy brief,
  • food security group,
  • fsp policy brief,
  • innovation lab for food security policy,
  • input use and market assessment,
  • input use and market development,
  • malawi,
  • sustainable agricultural intensification
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).