Managing Soil Fertility for Sustainable Agricultural

Production in Sub-Saharan Africa

by Dr. Regine Mankolo

Presentation Outline

Academic Background Previous Research Experience in Sub-Saharan

Africa Current Research at Alabama A&M University,

USA My Vision for the position of Soil Fertility

Specialist at IITA

M.S. Crop, Soil and Environmental Science. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA. 1994.

Thesis: “Nutrient Availability in Mineral Sand Tailings Soils Amended with Yard Waste and Wood Ash”.

B.S. in Agronomy with emphasis on Weed Science, University of Dschang, Cameroon. 1984

Academic Background

Ph.D. Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Blacksburg, VA. 1997

Dissertation: “Effect of Poultry Litter-Yard Waste Compost Application on Phosphorus Availability in Diverse Soils”.

Previous Research Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa

Research member of IARD farming systems research team under the USAID / IITA-NCRE funded project in Cameroon

The main objectives were to:

identify crop production constraints and provide scientists with tools to assist farmers

test proposed technologies in farmers’ fields

- strengthen the linkages between research and extension

Research trials included:

- alley cropping systems

- fertilizer trials

- crop varieties

- intercropping systems

- a strong experience in Farming Systems Research Approach

- a strong need to promote effective and systematic integration of biological and social sciences

- an effective collaboration between scientists and farmers

- a background with greater emphasis on flexibility in research and management

The work led to the development of:

Current Research at Alabama A&M University

My current research involves the development of best management package for small organic vegetable farmers in Southeastern United States

Organic farming has emerged as an acceptable alternative method of crop production in the United States recently

The objectives of our organic research projects are :

(2) To conduct on-farm trials and demonstrations of best management practices in select transitional or organic production sites involving small farmers in Alabama

(1) To use soil health assessments such as chemical, biological and physical attributes as indicators to build soil fertility under organic management system

Other practices include:

Mulch application (cotton gin compost, Sudan x sorghum hybrid + cowpea residues, spent mushroom compost) for weed control and soil moisture retention

Among the many organic practices, cover crops are increasingly being considered as integral to sustainable organic production.

Poultry litter application to enhance soil fertility

My Vision for the position of Soil Fertility Specialist at IITA

Background

Food insecurity has become a major problem in SSA, where about 60% of the population is directly engaged in agriculture (FAO, 2001)

Soil fertility is critical in maintaining agricultural growth, rural development and environmental conservation

- Soil nutrient depletion

- Soil erosion

- Deforestation

According to FAO (2001) about 66% of farmland in Sub-Saharan Africa is stricken by severe soil degradation that include:

Scientists and decision makers strongly believe that soil degradation and depletion of fertility are perhaps the most important constraints to food and economic security in Sub-Saharan Africa

Factors that Contribute to Soil Fertility Depletion

- High cost of inorganic fertilizer

- Limited knowledge of integrated soil nutrient management

- Policy factors

- Decline of fallow period coupled with low fertilizer use

- Limited use of organic inputs and nutrient recycling

LONG-TERM RESEARCH GOAL

To contribute to food security and poverty alleviation in rural poor communities by enhancing and sustaining land use system

Strengthen and improve the national soil management practices using multidisciplinary and participatory approach

To achieve this goal

Accelerate transfer of appropriate technologies

Apply new technologies to locate and survey degraded soils in the agro-ecological zones

Collaborate with GIS scientists to update the most degraded regions along with fertilizer recommendation

Conduct diagnosis and identify regions of interest

Implementation of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM)

1. Improving knowledge of ISFM

a) Training extension personnel and small farmers using the farmer field school

approach

b) Organizing training workshop for regional researchers, NGO’s and extension managers

2. Enhancing the application of ISFM

a) Conduct farmer field plot demonstrations

b) Encourage farmer and community participation

3. Accelerating the adoption ISFM

a) Develop incentive-based scheme

b) Encourage farmer-farmer interactions

4. Making fertilizers accessible to small growers

b) Use farmer organizations and cooperatives to lower fertilizer cost and while providing physical accessibility

a) Create affordable access to fertilizers for poor farmers

Thank you

Organic input in return