2024 APNI Annual Report

2024
ANNUAL
REPORT
CELEBRATING
Years
OF GROWTH

MISSION & VISION
VISION:
Prosperous African farmers sustainably managing crop nutrition
to provide consumers with a secure supply of nutritious foods at a
reasonable price.
MISSION:
Enhanced plant nutrition for a resilient and food-secure Africa.

Table
OF CONTENTS
2024 ANNUAL REPORT
www.apni.net
Foreword..........................................................................................................2
Director General’s Message........................................................................3
Advisory Committee......................................................................................4
Our Staff..........................................................................................................8
2024 Highlights............................................................................................. 10
EXCEL Africa: Excellence in Crop Nutrition Research
and Outreach...............................................................................................12
GROWING Africa: Communicating Actionable Plant
Nutrition Science.......................................................................................26
Bibliography..................................................................................................30
Publications & E-Learning..........................................................................32
4R4 Africa: Expanding 4R Knowledge for African
Cropping Systems.....................................................................................34
African Conference on Precision Agriculture (AfCPA)..........................48
Empower OFE: Empowering Farmer-centric
Agricultural Transformation.....................................................................50
Land CAPITAL: Agronomy to Recapitalize Multiple
Benefit Landscapes...................................................................................56
RAFAD: Resilient Agriculture for African Drylands................................62
The Next Five Years: Priorities towards 2030..........................................68
Partnering with APNI...................................................................................70
1

2
Toreword ~
ive years since its inception, the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI)
F continues to grow as a trusted source of insight and innovation for
data-informed, context-specific agronomy in Africa. This 2024 Annual
Report marks a moment to assess our progress, sharpen our direction,
and remain accountable to the people and purpose that guide our work.
The science of plant nutrition rarely makes headlines. Its breakthroughs
are quiet. They unfold in the rhythm of seasons, in the chemistry of soils,
and in the trust built with farmers. This work is cumulative, grounded
and long-term. It’s also essential. Without healthy soils, there is no food
system. Without localized knowledge, no scale endures.
Africa’s agricultural future sits at a crossroads: vast potential, recurrent
constraints. The contradiction is well known; millions of hectares of
uncultivated arable land coexist with chronic food insecurity. Soil
degradation, erratic rainfall, and nutrient depletion are not new
problems. But they require new responses – more precise, more
inclusive, and more resilient. APNI was established to help build those
responses, not by replicating models from elsewhere, but by designing
tools and strategies with – and for – the African farmer.
Since 2019, our approach has been anchored in relevance. Programs
such as 4R Nutrient Stewardship, EXCEL Africa, Empower-OFE, and Land
CAPITAL were not rolled out from the top down. They were built from the
ground up; tested in research plots and farmer-led experiments, refined
across diverse settings: from Morocco to Ghana, from Uganda to Kenya.
Always adapted to local soils, climates, and socio-economic realities.
But agronomy does not stop at the farm gate. APNI is also a platform for
research, for training, and for continental dialogue. Our convening of
the African Conference on Precision Agriculture, our input to the African
Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, and our Growing Africa publication are
part of a broader mission: to strengthen Africa’s voice in shaping the future
of sustainable plant nutrition. This year, our scientific work ranged from
carbon-smart cocoa to dryland wheat nutrient mapping; each project
embedded in questions of resilience, productivity and livelihoods.
Looking ahead to 2030, climate volatility, demographic shifts, and market
disruptions will continue to test Africa’s agricultural systems. APNI’s task
is not to predict the future. It is to remain useful within it. That means
investing in site-specific research, enabling farmer-led innovation, and
contributing to policies that protect both yields and ecosystems. The
principles that guide us - scientific integrity, local relevance, and strategic
alignment to Africa’s priorities – are more necessary now than ever.
Therefore, this report is not a conclusion. It is a mirror held up to our work:
its scope, its limits, its future. It is also a moment of alignment, a check
on where we are, and a calibration of where we need to go. It reflects the
work of a network that extends beyond our institute: farmers, scientists,
agronomists, and partners who navigate complexity with discipline and
intent. What lies ahead will demand more coordination, more evidence,
and sharper tools. We remain committed to serving where APNI matters
most: in the fields, with the farmers, and for the future.
From Africa, for Africa,
Hicham El Habti
APNI Board Chair

MESSAGE FROM THE
Director General
It is with absolute pleasure that I welcome you to our Annual Report
2024, which marks the completion of five-years of operation at
APNI. As I look back, it is the time to talk about what we have
accomplished, but also to reflect on how these achievements
will shape our future.
From institutional growth to R&D outputs, capacity
building efforts, strategic partnerships, this report
speaks of many compelling stories and outputs. We
are genuinely proud of that. Together we produced a
convincing array of new ideas and evidence to champion
plant nutrition for the Continent. These have created
visibility for APNI and placed plant nutrition as a key lever
for agricultural development.
The principles of 4R Nutrient Stewardship (4R) are
fundamental to APNI’s strategic initiatives. They helped farmers
improve crop yields across diverse agro-ecosystems, boosted harvest
quality, and enhanced income and livelihood opportunities. In 2024, 4R was recognized as a key
strategy for sustainable fertilizer use at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Summit
Declaration endorsed by the African Union Commission.
Carbon (C) sequestration is a key driver of soil health, imparting resilience to production systems
and communities against climate and other shocks. APNI scientists are driving creative agronomic
and plant nutrition solutions with farmers in the Land Capital flagship to produce better yield and
quality of crops and generating extra revenues from sequestered C through green C financing.
This has the potential to improve livelihood opportunities for millions of smallholder farmers and
incentivize and inspire adoption of sustainable regenerative crop management practices.
Learnings from our On-Farm Experimental (OFE) platforms are consistently demonstrating that
co-learning and co-creation of innovative solutions, keeping farmers and their needs as the center
piece, is the way to go if adoption at scale is the goal. The next phase of OFE will offer standard
operating procedures to drive innovation and adoption simultaneously in the most cost-efficient
and effective way.
Through research grants, awards and fellowships, EXCEL Africa supports and celebrates
outstanding graduate students and researchers in crop nutrition, acknowledging their crucial role
towards a resilient and food secure Africa. Interacting with the bright young researchers in our
Ph.D. program is a delight and makes me confident that our investment in them will help build a
pool of talented crop nutrition specialists to drive an inclusive agricultural transformation.
The AfCPA Conference reaching nearly 1,000 participants in 51 countries; the Growing Africa
bi-annual publication with readership of 12,000 are key milestones that underscore APNI’s
commitment to its outreach agenda.
On the ground experiences, and the critical insights from the engagement with the 2024 AFSH
Summit informed our Strategy 2030. We intend to invest on key conceptual ideas to connect plant
nutrition with broader development goals, develop actionable
4R plant nutrition practices for diverse cropping systems,
create contextual crop nutrition solutions in a farmer-centric
farmer-led approach, and build human resource capacity
to address evolving challenges to support the agricultural
transformation in Africa, envisioned in the AFSH 10-year
Action Plan.
Each field in a smallholder production system is a
microcosm of the food system. They have their unique
and complex interplay of biophysical and socio-economic
determinants, decision making, inputs and outputs and
consumption, assisted or impeded by the ambient weather/
climate and infrastructure. When managed well, they promote
healthy and prosperous communities and maintain ecosystem
balances and support the shared vision of One Health.
Alternatively, they disrupt ecosystem services and promote
malnutrition, hunger and loss of livelihoods. At APNI, we
recognize that as Africa moves towards the next century it will not only demand more food, but
also more food of greater quality and diversity to improve health outcomes. It will also demand that
natural ecosystems are left untouched and biodiversity maintained to support ecosystem services.
Our next five-year plan aspires to support sustainable intensification that produces adequate and
diverse nutritious food and commodities through responsible plant nutrition and cropping system
management while fostering broader development goals.
I want to share my sincere appreciation for our partners, the NARES, the CGIAR institutions,
the Fertilizer Industry, the Continental and Regional organizations, other public and private
organizations within and outside the Continent for their consistent support through the last five
years to pursue our strategic goals.
We benefited immensely from the pragmatic guidance from our Scientific Advisory Committee
composed of exceptional scientists and thinkers. They have broadened our views but have kept us
focused on tangible outputs and outcomes.
The APNI Board of Directors and the Board Chair Mr. Hicham El Habti have nurtured the Institute
and its staff with great care through the formative years. Their insights on African development goals
and their conviction and commitment towards a 4R-driven pathway has guided our engagement.
We are delighted to welcome the new APNI Board Chair, Mr. Khalid Baddou, and look forward to
his guidance for the exciting years ahead.
Lastly, I want to celebrate my colleagues at APNI who have built the Institute with immense energy
and dedication. I have no doubt, their knowledge, expertise and experience will make our next
5-year journey exciting and impactful!
Sincerely,
Dr. Kaushik Majumdar,
Director General
Khalid Baddou
2025 APNI Board Chair
3

Advisory COMMITTEE
DR. SIMON COOK
Dr. Cook, Adjunct Professor, Murdoch University,
is a strongly inter-disciplinary scientist with interests
in digital agriculture, precision agriculture, and the
development of sustainable global food and water systems.
Trained at Swansea, Reading and Cambridge Universities
in the UK, he moved in 1990 to CSIRO Australia to
develop digital methods of soil mapping. During his time
at CSIRO, he built a team to develop precision agriculture
for grains, grapes and sugar cane. In 2000 he moved to
the GIS Group at the International Center for Tropical
Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia, where he was drawn
into global-scale research programs to support agricultural
development including the Challenge Program for Water
and Food and the CGIAR program on Water, Land
and Ecosystems, where he was the inaugural director. In
2016 he returned to Australia to take up a professorship
at Curtin and Murdoch Universities as the Western
Australian Premier’s Fellow, where he initiated research
on digital agriculture and on-farm experimentation.
DR. MICHAEL WIRONEN
Dr. Wironen, Senior Scientist at The Nature
Conservancy’s Center for Sustainability
Science, provides technical and strategic leadership
to collaborations with the agri-food sector to drive
investment into the sustainable intensification of
agriculture. His portfolio includes place-based
projects to improve soil health, increase resource
use efficiency, and protect habitat in Kenya, Brazil,
Argentina, United States, China, and India. In this
role, he has collaborated with companies including
Syngenta, Walmart, AB InBev, and McDonald’s.
Prior to joining TNC, Michael worked for a private
consultancy, where he led sustainability and climate
action projects with an array of private and publicsector
clients in the US and Africa. He holds a Ph.D.
in Natural Resources Science from the University of
Vermont and has published on nutrient cycling in
forests and agroecosystems, among other topics.
4

DR. RATTAN LAL
Dr. Lal, Professor and Director, CFAES Rattan Lal
Center for Carbon Management and Sequestration,
The Ohio State University, has authored/co-authored
over 1000 refereed journal articles and more than 550 book
chapters, has written and edited/co-edited more than 100
books. He has received an Honoris Causa degree from
nine universities throughout Europe, USA and Asia; the
Medal of Honor from UIMP, Santander, Spain (2018); the
Distinguished Service Medal of IUSS (2018); and is a fellow
of five professional societies. Dr. Lal has mentored 115
graduate students and 182 visiting scholars from around the
world. He was President of the World Association of Soil
and Water Conservation (1987-1990), International Soil and
Tillage Research Organization (1988-1991), Soil Science
Society of America (2006-2008), and the International Union
of Soil Sciences (2017-2018). He is Chair in Soil Science and
Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainability Issues for the Inter-
American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA),
and member of the 2021 United Nations Food Security
Summit Science Committee and Action Tracks 1 & 3. Dr.
Lal is laureate of the GCHERA World Agriculture Prize
(2018), Glinka World Soil Prize (2018), Japan Prize (2019),
U.S. Awasthi IFFCO Prize (2019), Arrell Global Food
Innovation Award (2020), World Food Prize (2020),
and India’s Padma Shri Award (2021).
DR. EVA
SCHERNHAMMER
Dr. Schernhammer, Professor and
Chair of the Department of Epidemiology
at the Medical University of Vienna, Adjunct
Professor at the Department of Epidemiology
at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health,
Lecturer on Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and
Associate Faculty member at the Complexity Science
Hub Vienna, is one of the founders of ASciNA (Austrian
Scientists in North America), where she served many years as
President and Board member. Eva holds a Doctor of Medicine
degree from the University of Vienna Medical School, a Doctor
of Public Health degree (epidemiology) from the Harvard School
of Public Health, as well as a Master of Philosophy (Mag Phil)
degree in psychology from the University of Vienna. Her work
centers around the detection of an increased risk of disease
due to lifestyle factors, including nutrition, and environmental
stressors, as well as the complex interaction between genetics and
environmental factors in the disease process. Together with a
distinguished group of scientists from around the world, including
her own research group in Vienna, she studied the characteristics
of outbreaks and deliberated their potentially far-reaching
consequences. Eva’s work has received several international
awards and is frequently featured in media around the globe. She
has more than 300 publications and has been elected Member
of the Austrian Academy of Sciences since 2024, and Member
of Academia Europaea and the European Academy of Arts and
Sciences since 2022.
Advisory COMMITTEE
5

Advisory COMMITTEE
DR. AMY SULLIVAN
Dr. Sullivan, Consultant for Gender, Water &
Natural Resource-Based Livelihood Systems in
Asia & Africa, is a former US Peace Corps Volunteer
in Senegal, and trained at the University of Florida. She
joined the Pretoria South Africa office of the International
Water Management Institute (IWMI) as part of the
Challenge Programme on Water and Food (CPWF) in 2004.
Amy guided research teams in establishing relationships
between customary water arrangements and emerging
statutory governance systems. In 2010 she joined the
Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Policy Analysis
Network (FANRPAN). As theme lead, she developed and
coordinated multi-disciplinary teams to diagnose, document
and address challenges facing smallholder farmers in a region
heavily influenced by climate change, migration, and mining.
Amy is focused on gender transformative approaches in
development. She is currently a member of the Global Water
Partnership (GWP) Africa Water Investment Programme’s
Technical Reference Group that monitors and contributes to
inclusive water security and climate resilience through gender
transformative approaches.
DR. MOHAMED ANOUAR JAMALI
Dr. Jamali is Director Chargé de Mission at OCP
Group. He has held positions in research and
development following an academic career in Canada,
Japan, and Morocco. Between 2015 and 2018, as a member
of the Transport and Logistics National Company SNTL
Group’s Executive Board, he served as Managing Director
of Tamayuz Supply Chain, the pole of Innovation and
Excellence of the Group, and then CEO of the ‘Logdev
Africa’ subsidiary. From 2018 to 2020, Dr. Jamali served
at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) as
Director of the Africa Initiative and Director of the Institute
of Science Technology and Innovation (ISTI). He led the
launch of the ‘Africa Initiative,’ focused on connecting
the university with its African ecosystem while heading
teaching and research programs in Supply Chain. From
2020 to 2024, Dr. Jamali served as CEO of OCP Africa and
Chairman of the Board for twelve subsidiaries, where he
led development projects across the African continent. Dr.
Jamali holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Laval
University in Canada. He has led numerous collaborative
research and innovation projects in Logistics and Supply
Chain, supported by the World Bank, the Islamic Bank for
Development (BID), the European Commission, the Japan
Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS),
and the Natural Science and Engineering
Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
6

PAST Advisory Members
DR. KEN GILLER
Dr. Giller, Professor (retired) of Plant Production Systems at Wageningen
University, has led group of scientists with profound experience in applying systems analysis
to explore future scenarios for land use with a focus on food production, including impacts of
climate change. Ken’s research focuses on smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa.
DR. ACHIM DOBERMANN
Dr. Dobermann, Chief Scientist, International Fertilizer Association (IFA),
provides strategic scientific advice to IFA and its members on promoting responsible
plant nutrition and enhancing nutrient stewardship worldwide.
MS. FATIHA CHARRADI
Ms. Charradi, CEO of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Canada is an experienced leader and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs and
farmers.
MS. LUCY MUCHOKI
Ms. Muchoki, Chief Executive Officer of Pan African Agribusiness and
Agroindustry Consortium (PanAAC) and coordinator of Kenya Agribusiness
and Agroindustry Alliance, also serves as the National Chair of the Technical
Business Committee at the Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industries.
7

OUR STAFF
HEADQUARTERS
NORTH
AFRICA
1
1
Mr. Steve Couch
Director of Operations
s.couch@apni.net
1
2
Dr. Hakim Boulal
Sr. Scientist
h.boulal@apni.net
Dr. Kaushik Majumdar
Director General
k.majumdar@apni.net
1
Dr. Shamie Zingore
Director of Research
& Development
s.zingore@apni.net
1
Dr. T. Scott Murrell
Principal Scientist
s.murrell@apni.net
1
Dr. Thomas Oberthür
Director of Business
& Partnerships
t.oberthur@apni.net
Dr. Mohammed El Gharous
Sr. Consulting Scientist
m.elgharous@apni.net
Mahdi Dahane
Agronomist
m.dahane@apni.net
2
1
Dr. Steve Phillips
Sr. Consulting
Scientist
s.phillips@apni.net
1
Dr. Amine El Khouni
Associate Scientist
a.elkhouni@apni.net
1
Gavin Sulewski
Sr. Editor &
Communications
Manager
g.sulewski@apni.net
1
Mohammed Saddiki
Operations Manager
m.saddiki@apni.net
1
Jawad Mabrouk
HR Manager
j.mabrouk@apni.net
1
Abdelali Chtate
Accounting Manager
a.chtate@apni.net
1
Farah Tadli
Business Development
Specialist
f.tadli@apni.net
1
Lamiaâ Semmar
Communications
Specialist
l.semmar@apni.net
1
Sara Lamsili
Jr. Project Communications
Content Manager
s.lamsili@apni.net
8
since 2019
Staff
%
in 2024
growth
2021
2020
2019
2022
2023
2024
1
Mourad Elattoubi
Operations Associate
m.elattoubi@apni.net
1
Ms. Hiba Errachdi
Executive Assistant
h.errachdi@apni.net

EAST & SOUTHERN AFRICA
1
2
NORTH AFRICA
OFFICE
Settat, Morocco
HEADQUARTERS
UM6P Experimental Farm
Benguérir, Morocco
4
Dr. James Mutegi
Sr. Scientist & East Africa Lead
j.mutegi@apni.net
Dr. Canon Norris
Savala Engoke
Sr. Scientist
c.engoke@apni.net
4
4
Dr. Pamela Pali
Sr. Scientist
p.pali@apni.net
4
Dr. Ivan Adolwa
Scientist
i.adolwa@apni.net
4
Dr. Samuel Njoroge
Scientist
s.njoroge@apni.net
3
WEST AFRICA
WEST AFRICA OFFICE
Yamoussoukro,
Côte d’Ivoire
4
Dr. Martha Nelima
Associate Scientist
m.okumu@apni.net
4
Dr. Esther Mugi
Associate Scientist
e.mugi@apni.net
4
3
Dr. Kwame Frimpong
Sr. Scientist
k.frimpong@apni.net
EAST & SOUTHERN
AFRICA OFFICE
ICIPE Campus
Nairobi, Kenya
4
Joses Muthamia
Agronomist
j.muthamia@apni.net
3
Dr. Thérèse Agneroh
Scientist
t.agneroh@apni.net
4
Angela Gitonga
Research Assistant
a.gitonga@apni.net
4
Ann Odero
Operations Manager
a.odero@apni.net
4
3
Dr. Kokou Amouzou
Scientist
k.amouzou@apni.net
4
Bernice Limo
Research Assistant
b.limo@apni.net
4
Mr. Michael Waweru
Regional
Communications
Officer
m.waweru@apni.net
Clarice Ondunga
Operations Associate
c.ondunga@apni.net
9

2024 HIGHLIGHTS
JANUARY
Ms. Lamiaa Semmar
joins APNI as
Communications Specialist.
Mrs. Bernice Limo
joins APNI as
Research Assistant.
Dr. Amine El Khouni
joins APNI as Associate Scientist.
FEBRUARY
The India Morocco South South Workshop
allowed APNI Scientists to visit Indian agricultural
institutions and engage with local innovators.
Mr. Abdelali Chetate
joins APNI as
Accountant Manager.
Ms. Sara Lamsili
joins APNI as Junior Project
Communications Manager.
Dr. Kwame Agyei
Frimpong joins APNI
as Senior Scientist.
MARCH
APRIL
APNI holds a workshop in Uganda with its partners, OCP
foundation, UM6P, ACPCU, ECOTRUST, NARO, and Producers Direct.
APNI participated in the strategic workshop organized
by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
at UM6P in collaboration with CGIAR.
APNI participated in the 4th Ministerial
Conference of the African Agriculture
Adaptation Initiative (AAA).
4R training sessions held for extensions
agents from Mwea Rice Growers
Multipurpose Cooperative in Mewa, Kenya.
MAY
Our team hosted and contributed to a series of workshops
held at the 16th International Agricultural Fair in Morocco
(SIAM) in Meknes, where scientists from APNI and AITTC-
UM6P presented their latest research.
APNI participated
at the 7th Congress
of Argan, held in
Essaouira.
APNI and OIT scientists continued their study
on quantifying biomass accumulation
in century-old olive trees at the Taous
experimental station in Sfax, Tunisia.
The Coalition of Implementers for Soil Health
(CIFSH) was signed between APNI, IFDC, IITA
and FARA during the AFSH Summit.
Our team participated in the 9th Symposium on Organic
Matter (SOM 24) which focused on soil organic matter as
a driving factor for sustainability in Africa.
Mrs. Pamela Pali
joins APNI as
Senior Scientist
JUNE
10
APNI has joined the Coalition of key partners of the
Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel.
APNI delivered training on fertilizer
fundamentals and strategic fertilizer use to members of the
West African Fertilizer Association (WAFA).

JULY
APNI organized
2Scale Project 4R Nutrient
Stewardship trainings
in Mwea, Kenya.
AUGUST
APNI scientists surveyed the irrigated
regions of Rabat and Beni-Mellal to better
understand agricultural practices for soft
wheat cultivation in Morocco.
APNI took part in the inaugural Nitrogen
Summer Institute at the University of Maryland.
APNI scientists participated in the 16th
International Conference on Precision
Agriculture in Manhattan, Kansas.
The APNI 4R Workshop gathered
our scientists in Marrakech.
African Plant Nutrition
Scholar Award recipients
announced.
The Cocoa Stakeholders Meeting at the
University of Ghana shared research with a
resilient agriculture vision.
APNI participated in the Workshop on new
paradigms and new tools for crop yield
improvement with reduced environmental impacts
at Château de Saint-Loup sur Thouet, France.
SEPTEMBER
APNI attended the Roundtable
addressing implementation of the
African Fertilizer and Soil Health
Action Plan.
OCTOBER
APNI participated in the
Africa Food Systems Forum, in Kigali, Rwanda.
Mr. Michael Waweru
joins APNI as Regional
Communications
Officer.
APNI organized a series of collaborative meetings
with several National Tunisian Research Institutions.
APNI joined our partners at the
Workshop for the Regional Hub
for Fertilizer and Soil Health for
West Africa and the Sahel.
The NUTCAT Post-Harvest Workshop in Cote d’Ivoire
brought together maize farmers and stakeholders
to review results and set new goals.
NOVEMBER
APNI participated at the Gathering of
Practitioners in Cereals and Legumes
organized by Al Moutmir-UM6P.
APNI visited the Research and Scientific
Center of Cordoba and the International Olive
Council in Spain.
APNI participated the 2nd
Workshop for the One Health
Network in Austria.
APNI conducted focus groups in the
Essaouira and Afourar regions of Morocco
to discuss gender-based constraints in
the olive value chain.
DECEMBER
African Phosphorous Fellowship Award
recipients announced.
APNI holds the 3rd African Conference on
Precision Agriculture in Marrakech along
with its 9 satellite sites.
Dr. Martha Nelima Okumu
joins APNI as Associate
Scientist.
African Plant Nutrition
Outreach Fellowship Award
recipients announced.
11

EXCEL Africa:
Excellence in Crop Nutrition Research and Outreach
•
p l a n t
african
SCHOLAR
AWARD
•
i t
n u t r
i o n
•
p l a n t
african
PHOSPHORUS
FELLOWSHIP
•
i t
n u t r
i o n
•
p l a n t
african
outreach
FELLOWSHIP
•
n u t r
i o n
i t
Precision
Agriculture
AWARD
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
E
stablished in 2020, our EXCEL Africa initiative is aimed at fostering advancements in nutrient management
and agronomic practices across the African continent. It seeks to identify, support and celebrate outstanding
achievements in crop nutrition research and outreach—acknowledging the pivotal role they play in enhancing food
security and sustainable agricultural practices. By spotlighting excellence in this domain, APNI aims to inspire a culture
of innovation and collaboration among researchers, agronomists, and other stakeholders to catalyze change and
promote effective strategies to address the unique challenges faced by African farmers.
EXCEL Africa includes our directed research grant program (African Plant Nutrition Research Fund – APNRF),
a graduate student award program (African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award), two research fellowship awards
(African Phosphorus Fellowship Award and African Plant Nutrition Outreach Award), our Precision
Agriculture Award, and support directed to our Ph.D. Graduate Student Development Program.
Through recognizing exemplary achievements and contributions,
EXCEL Africa aims to catalyze positive change through research, ultimately
promoting the development and implementation of effective strategies that address
the unique challenges faced by African farmers.
12

EXCEL AFRICA -
BY THE NUMBERS
$ . M
Geographic
DISTRIBUTED
distribution of
Awards and Grants within the
EXCEL-Africa Initiative
(2020 – 2024).
RECIPIENTS
COUNTRIES
POST-GRADUATE
AWARDS
RESEARCH
GRANTS
RESEARCH
AWARDS
RESEARCH
FELLOWSHIPS
13

AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
African Plant Nutrition Research Fund (APNRF)
T
he aim of the African Plant Nutrition Research Fund is to support
research for, and enable scaling of, improved nutrient and soil fertility
management by synergistically extending research conducted in strategic
priority areas of APNI. This grant program is targeted towards the support
of researchers within African National Agricultural Research and Extension
System (NARES) Institutions or Universities.
INITIATED IN
THIS PROGRAM
HAS COMMITTED
+
’
$ across
MULTI-YEAR
COLLABORATIVE
INITIATIVES
R&D OUTCOMES
> ’
HOUSEHOLDS SURVEYED
ON-FARM
EXPERIMENTATION SITES
GRADUATE
STUDENT SUPPORT
4 Ph.D. STUDENTS
16 M.Sc. STUDENTS
14

IN-SEASON NITROGEN MANAGEMENT
FOR WHEAT IN TUNISIA USING
PROXIMAL AND REMOTE SENSING
National Institute of Field Crops (INGC)
IMPROVING WATER AND NUTRIENT USE
EFFICIENCY TO INCREASE MOROCCAN
OLIVE CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Institut National de la Recherche
Agronomique (INRA Maroc)
ENHANCING RICE PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH
ADAPTATION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL
OPTIONS AND MARKET RESPONSIVE BUSINESS
STRATEGIES IN UGANDA
School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University
FINE-TUNING CLIMATE-SMART NITROGEN
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN MAIZE-
BASED CROP SYSTEMS OF EASTERN KENYA
Department of Plant Science and Crop
Protection, University of Nairobi
A REMOTE SENSING SUPPORTED FRAMEWORK THAT
INCENTIVIZES SITE-SPECIFIC AGRONOMIC MANAGEMENT OF
SMALLHOLDER COCOA FARMS IN GHANA
CSIR-Soil Research Institute and Kwame Nkrumah University
of Science and Technology (FRNR-KNUST)
GUIDING SOIL ORGANIC CARBON
SEQUESTRATION POTENTIAL UNDER
SELECTED FARMING SYSTEMS IN TANZANIA
Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute-TARI
Milingano Centre
FIGHTING HIDDEN HUNGER THROUGH MICRONUTRIENT
FERTILIZATION IN MAIZE AND RICE IN TANZANIA
Sokoine University of Agriculture
15

•
p l a n t
african
SCHOLAR
AWARD
•
i t
n u t r
i o n
African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award
T
his award is supporting and encouraging the brightest minds to focus on continued advancement
of the science of crop nutrition in Africa.
In 2024, African Plant Nutrition Scholar Awardees included 10 students studying advanced science programs, in
eight different African countries, focused on plant nutrition and the management of nutrients. Each student received
$2,000 (U.S. Dollars).
Mr. Tessema Tesfaye ATUMO
Doctorate Program, Hawassa University
AREA OF STUDY:
Evaluation of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices
to Improve Productivity of Sorghum under Current
and Future Climate Scenarios in South Ethiopia
Ms. Zufan Desta MEHARI
Doctorate Program, Mekelle University
AREA OF STUDY:
Contribution of Biophysical Soil and Water
Conservation Measures on Carbon Sequestration
and Socio-economic Attributes in Tigray,
Northern Ethiopia
Mr. Mengistu Liramo AJA
Doctorate Program, Hawassa University
AREA OF STUDY:
Spatial Variability of Soil Fertility and Soil-Plant
Nutrient Status, and their Relations with Selected
Field Crops in Hadiya Zone, South Central Ethiopia
Ms. Agnes Naa Abeley ABBEY
Doctorate Program, University of Cape Coast
AREA OF STUDY:
Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency in Sweet Potato
Grown in Combined Inorganic NPK Fertilizer
and Biochar Application
16

Ms. Karen Jepchumba AYABEI
Doctorate Program, University of Nairobi
AREA OF STUDY:
Effects of Phosphorus Composite Biochar
and Solubilizing Microbes on Potato Yield
and Carbon Sequestration
Mr. Kelvin KIPROTICH
Doctorate Program, Stellenbosch University
AREA OF STUDY:
The Role of Soil Microbial Communities
and Management Practices on Sustainable Wheat
Production and Soil Health in the Mediterranean
Region of South Africa
Mr. Reda MOKERE
Doctorate Program, Mohammed VI
Polytechnic University (UM6P)
AREA OF STUDY:
Development of New Sensors and Model
Optimization for Soil Diagnosis and Prediction by
Combining Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Ms. Grace Christopher MPINDA
Master’s Program
Sokoine University of Agriculture
AREA OF STUDY:
Isolation, Characterization and Resilience
Testing to Abiotic stresses of Multifunctional
Phosphate Solubilizing Rhizobacteria from
Agricultural Soils of Tanzania
Mr. Adedotun Daniel ADEWUMI
Doctorate Program, University of Ibadan
AREA OF STUDY:
Performance of Lima Bean as Influenced by
Phosphorus Application and Management of its
Residues in Succeeding Maize Production
Mr. William MAKAZA
Doctorate Program, Mohammed VI
Polytechnic University (UM6P)
AREA OF STUDY:
Agronomic Values of Liming Materials
and Starter Fertilizers
The African Plant Nutrition Scholar Award program has supported
50 graduate students over the last five years ...a total financial
commitment of $100,000.
17

•
p l a n t
african
PHOSPHORUS
FELLOWSHIP
•
n u t r
i o n
i t
African Phosphorus Award Fellowship
T
his initiative strives to encourage scientific programs relevant to understanding and improving
phosphorus (P) management in agro-ecosystems. In 2024, five researchers were selected from across
Africa, each receiving awards of $5,000 (U.S. Dollars).
Dr. Chukwuebuka Azuka
Senior Lecturer, Department of Soil Science,
University of Nigeria
PROJECT:
Effect of Integrated Lime, Organic Manure and
Phosphorus Fertilizer Application on Phosphorus
Availability of Degraded Ultisols in Nsukka,
Southeastern Nigeria
Dr. Kobusinge Aloys Nyabwisho
Senior Research Officer
Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute
PROJECT:
Optimizing Phosphorus Application
Strategies for Rice Production in Tanzania:
Evaluating the Efficiency of Different P Sources,
Rates and Timings
Dr. Coffi Leonce Geoffroy Sossa
Research Assist and Lecturer, National Institute
of Water, University of Abomey Calavi, Benin
PROJECT:
Water Regimes and P-Fertilizer Levels on
Phosphorus Dynamic, Carbon Balance and Global
Warming Potential of Rice Production under Zero
Tillage in Benin, West Africa
Mr. Nasirudeen Sulemana
Assistant Lecturer
University of Ghana
PROJECT:
Carbon and Phosphorus Fractions in Cocoa
Monoculture and Agroforestry Systems in the
Semi-Deciduous and Moist Evergreen Agro-
Ecological Zones of Ghana
Dr. Driss Touhami
Assistant Professor, Mohammed VI Polytechnic
University (UM6P), Benguerir, Morocco
PROJECT:
From Soil to Sustainability: Investigating
Phosphorus Dynamics under Different Tillage
Systems in Morocco
18

African Plant Nutrition Outreach Award Fellowship
T
his award acknowledges innovation in education, training and communication programs
relevant to improving the use and efficiency of plant nutrients in African agroecosystems. In 2024,
two scientists were awarded with $5,000 (U.S. Dollars).
•
p l a n t
african
outreach
FELLOWSHIP
•
n u t r
i o n
i t
Dr. Moreblessing Chimweta Chisuro
Lecturer
Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences
and Technology, Bindura, Zimbabwe
PROJECT:
Capacity Enhancement of Extension Personnel to
Improve the Ease and Precision with which Nutrient
Deficiencies are Detected and Addressed in
Nutritional Home Gardens in Zimbabwe
Dr. George Mose
Senior Lecturer
Sokoine University of Agriculture
PROJECT:
Empowering Extension Officers for Gender-
Inclusive, Digital Climate-Smart Agriculture: Training
and Organizational Development to Support
Women and Marginalized Farmers
Together the Phosphorus and Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship Programs
have supported 29 research and outreach specialists with financial
awards totaling $145,000 between 2020 and 2024.
19

Precision
Agriculture
AWARD
APNI Precision Agriculture Award
T
he APNI Precision Agriculture Award recognizes outstanding activity in the field of precision agriculture
research, outreach or education in Africa. This is a biennial award that is offered in conjunction with
the African Conference for Precision Agriculture (AfCPA). Eligible persons work in Africa within a NARES
(African National Agricultural Research & Extension System) Institution, University, International R&D Center,
or in Ag. Industry.
2024
Mr. Tadesse Anberbir Awoke
Senior ICT Expert & Digital Ag Specialist
Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR)
~
Mr. Anberbir Awoke works to coordinate the different
digital agriculture projects including wheat rust early
warning and advisory, UAV applications for phenotyping
in plant breeding trial fields, and expert systems using
machine learning methods.
2022
Dr. Mbulisi Sibanda
Senior Lecturer, Dept.of Geography,
Environmental Studies & Tourism
University of the Western Cape,
South Africa
~
Mr. Sibanda focused on research and
teaching in GIS and remote sensing.
He uses biodiversity conservation practices,
agroecology, hydrology, and remote sensing
to simulate the impact of climate change,
alien invasive species, and other agents
on terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural
landscapes.
Mr. Femi Adekoya
Managing Director, Integrated Aerial Precision,
Lagos, Nigeria
~
Femi leads as the Precision Agriculture Specialist
at IA Precision, an enterprise where he uses UAVs
and geospatial data analytics to help smallholders
and commercial farmers, and relevant agricultural
stakeholders adopt and practice precision
agriculture. Furthermore, to address the lack of
awareness and dedicated education for capacity
building towards precision agriculture he founded
Precision Field Academy serving as the Head of
Training, bridging the knowledge and skill gaps in
precision agriculture and technologies.
20

Ph.D. Graduate Student PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
T
hrough our research across Africa, APNI is helping to develop the highly skilled Ph.D. scientists we need to
accelerate innovation and adoption of advanced plant nutrition strategies in Africa.
Our investment in education and mentorship helps to cultivate a new generation of leaders in agricultural science. By
training and equipping young scientists within Africa, the program strengthens the capacity to conduct locally relevant
agricultural research to address our biggest food security and sustainability concerns for the continent. Our graduates
can lead efforts to optimize fertilizer use, improve soil health, and develop farmer friendly agricultural practices.
APNI’s program to develop Ph.D.-level expertise in R&D is a strategic investment in Africa’s agricultural future.
21

Ph.D. Graduate
Students
Jerome Agbesi Dogbatse
I am in my second year of my Ph.D. program at the Soil Science Department of the University of Ghana. My
research seeks to evaluate the potential impacts of different cocoa cropping systems vis-a-vis agroecological
zones and soil type on carbon stocks and the health of soil in the cocoa ecosystem; to explore the use of cocoa
waste biochar-compost in improving cocoa yield and sequestering carbon to improve the soil health of the
major cocoa-growing soil of Ghana; and to assess cocoa farmers’ local knowledge and perceptions of soil
carbon and soil health vis-a-vis scientific knowledge on soil carbon and soil health.
Angela Gitonga
I am currently in my second year of my Ph.D. studies at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. I am researching soil health indicators,
and management effects on soil organic carbon and yield in maize cropping systems in an agroecological gradient of Embu
County, Kenya. I have over 15 years of experience working with issues in soil fertility and soil health in East Africa. I hold a B.Sc.
in chemistry and mathematics and a M.Sc. in soil science, both from Moi University, Kenya. Before joining APNI, I worked at
Moi University as a research fellow, at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organization (KALRO) under various capacities and
projects, and as a consultant for the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). While I work to complete my doctorate, I continue to
work as an agronomist for APNI where I contribute to the ongoing research and educational programs throughout East Africa.
Bright Mayinl Laboan
I am in the third year of my Ph.D. in Agrifood and Environment (Soil Fertility/Soil Biochemistry) at Cranfield University, UK, and hosted
by the Soil Research Institute in Ghana. My work focuses on site-specific nutrient management for sustainable cocoa intensification in
Ghana under the FRAME Cocoa project supported by the African Plant Nutrition Research Fund (APNRF) and Sue White Fund (Cranfield
University). My doctoral work has built upon my knowledge and expertise gained from my previous training and profession. It has
highly equipped me to achieve my career goals, which are centered on development of sustainable crop nutrition interventions that
are profitable and environmentally friendly in the context of bio-wastes valorization, bio-circular economies, and integrated soil fertility
management.
22
Rabii Lanwer
I am a Ph.D. student at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis. My research is being conducted at the Olive Institute of Tunis in collaboration with
APNI and focuses comparing monoculture and agroforestry approaches in olive tree production systems. I am aiming to assess their potential
for biomass production, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas modeling. To date, my work has conducted measurements to estimate
tree biomass, collected soil samples for nutrient and carbon content analysis, and gathered data on intercropped species to evaluate their
contribution to the system. Additionally, we have engaged with farmers through surveys to understand their perceptions of soil health and the
carbon sequestration potential within their olive groves. Looking ahead, we plan to develop a comprehensive crop management package that
integrates innovative technologies aimed at optimizing soil health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Martin Maku
I am a Ph.D. student working under APNI’s project on green carbon and diversification opportunities for
Ugandan coffee cropping (UCCP). My focus is on investigating strategies for enhancing the income security
of smallholder coffee farmers in Southwestern Uganda through market-driven diversification. Specifically, the
study will identify market-driven diversification factors, characterize diversified value chains, evaluate gross
margin distribution, and assess both the impact of youth training and digital marketing on marketing efficiency
in smallholder coffee farming in southwestern Uganda.
Aboubacar Mariko
Originally from Mali, I am currently in my first year of Ph.D. study at UM6P. My background in agronomy stems from completing
a five-year agronomy degree at the National School of Agriculture of Meknes, after which I joined Mohammed VI Polytechnic
University (UM6P) in Morocco, where I completed my M.Sc. in Fertilizer Science and Technology at the School of Agriculture,
Fertilization and Environmental Sciences (ESAFE). Throughout my studies, I became fascinated by the complex and intricate
dynamics of soil organic matter and its ability to contribute to climate change mitigation. My research interests lie in assessing
soil carbon stability and turnover rate in olive orchards in Morocco. Currently I am working to characterize the stability and
variability of soil carbon stocks in different landscape positions within olive production areas in the Ouezzane region, Morocco.
Meryem Maatougui
I graduated from the National School of Agriculture with a major in Soil Science and Plant Production. I then worked for three years as a
research engineer at the Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC) at UM6P before pursuing my Ph.D. at Oklahoma
State University (OSU) in collaboration with APNI. During my doctoral studies, I developed two models for wheat yield prediction one for
Oklahoma and the other one for North Africa by integrating machine learning, proximal canopy sensing, and climate data. Additionally,
I evaluated the consistency of the NDVI response index using various precision agriculture tools, including satellites with different
resolutions, drones, and active proximal sensors.
Intissare Mouamine
I am a Ph.D. student at the Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC-UM6P) in Morocco, studying the spatial and
temporal variability of nitrogen at the landscape scale. My research aims to identify key interactions beyond the plot level and develop a
model that supports decision-makers in recommending sustainable improvements for olive systems in Northern Morocco. By integrating
natural opportunities, this approach helps farmers enhance both productivity and long-term resilience.
23

Ph.D. Graduate
Students
Haitam Moulay
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Before joining OSU, I worked as an agronomist
engineer at Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC) at UM6P, where I was involved in projects
aimed at rehabilitating mining soils using phosphate by-products. My research partly focuses on evaluating three
commercially available soil sensors, including a comparative analysis of sensor performance across different field
conditions. The goal is to identify which sensors offer the most reliable data to help farmers make informed decisions
about soil management and fertilization. Secondly, I have established a comprehensive study, spanning across wheat
fields in the U.S. Great Plains and Morocco, on nutrient management of wheat in semi-arid climates, with a special
focus on micronutrients like zinc. Thirdly, I am aiming to more precisely identify the parameters influencing phosphorus
response in wheat and determining the most efficient method for mapping these variables.
Joses Muthamia
I work as an Agronomist based at APNI in Nairobi, Kenya, and my doctoral research is on using on-farm experimentation
and farmer-centric processes to tailor soil and nutrient management technologies to match diverse smallholder conditions
in Kenya. My work is associated with APNI’s NUTCAT project and is affiliated with the University of Embu, Kenya. The work
involves carrying out agronomic surveys, establishment of on-farm experiments, data collection and analysis. Through my
work, I remain highly motivated to offer farmer-centric solutions that can change the trajectory of smallholder farming from the
current decline and unsustainable pathway towards a more sustainable production and livelihood system.
Elongne Mandela N’douba
I am a Research and Development Project Manager at OCP Africa, and a Ph.D student at Institut National Polytechnique Félix
Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB) in Côte d’Ivoire. My work is associated with APNI’s NUTCAT project wherein I am assessing the usefulness
of optimized treatments to support on-farm decision making; investigate how the OFE process supports farmers’ capacity to learn,
experiment, and innovate; quantify the value OFE-driven processes and management decisions generate for participating farmers; and
evaluate scalable business models to generate value of an OFE process for maize production systems in Côte d’Ivoire.
Anna Nowembabazi
I am a Soil Scientist from Uganda currently pursuing a Doctorate degree at Makerere University, where I am studying below ground carbon
stocks in coffee cropping systems of southwestern Uganda under the Uganda Carbon Coffee Project (UCCP). My overall aim is to help
improve coffee productivity and resilience against climate change stress factors by determining how soil management practices influence
soil organic carbon stocks, evaluating the biophysical drivers of carbon sequestration in below ground biomass, evaluating the stability of
sequestered carbon, and determining changes in microbiome diversity in smallholder farmers’ fields.
24

Emmanuel Odoom
I am Emmanuel Odoom, a PhD soil science student at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. I hold a B.Sc. in
agriculture and a M.Phil. in land use and environmental science. I am currently participating on research on
maize growth monitoring with UAVs and yield gap analysis of cereals on selected demonstration fields in
Northern Ghana as part of APNI’s NUTCAT project. My objective is to enhance the productivity of maize in
Northern Ghana with precision agriculture and contribute to the food security of Ghana.
Aziza Tangi
I am an agricultural engineer at the Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer Center (AITTC-UM6P), and fourth-year
Ph.D. student collaborating with APNI. My university position allowed me to work in various agricultural fields, including mining
site rehabilitation using new technologies, landscaping, species conservation, plant multiplication, and experimental farm
development. My Doctoral research is investigating how gender inequalities affect women’s empowerment in the smallholder
olive value chain (OVC). It is also identifying and designing specific gender-transformative interventions. This study will add
value by suggesting potential pathways that will benefit both the men and women involved in the OVC as well as the success
and profitability of the chain. It will also generate insight to help Moroccan decision-makers and VC actors design future
programs and initiatives for a sustainable and inclusive agricultural VC. I am keen to pursue my scientific curiosity and continue
my research to help promote gender equality and empower African women to address some of the constraints that threaten
humanity’s food security.
25

GROWING Africa:
Communicating Actionable Plant Nutrition Science
W
e maintain a high focus on actionable agronomic knowledge to
ensure that we develop and promote scientific information on
plant nutrition that is most relevant to accelerated adoption of improved
farm practices.
Central to this is the need to build resources in support of our network of
national agriculture research systems, and their agronomic and extension
staffs, which have a strong need for credible, science-based information that
is farm-ready.
Clear communication of plant nutrition science is also essential to inform
agricultural policy at regional, national, and local levels. Decision-makers
benefit from up-to-date, evidence-based information to formulate
strategies best able to support sustainable and productive agriculture.
We strive to help inform these target audiences about key aspects of nutrient
management across our landscapes and cropping systems.
26

Forum Building
Forum building is at the heart of this initiative. We are working
to build a range of forums to inspire interaction, enhance
collaboration and knowledge sharing, facilitate problem solving,
build capacity, and increase the impact of research. Ongoing examples
include our namesake publication Growing Africa, the Ask an APNI
Expert forum designed to help with questions submitted on plant
nutrition and soil health; the social media-driven #ShareYourSnapshots
forum; our Annual Photo Contest for crop nutrient deficiencies and
research in action; and the newest infographic series, GrowthCharts, which
provides perspectives and key questions on issues, concepts, and needs
related to the development of African agriculture.
APNI
Photo Contest
GrowthCharts
#ShareYourSnapshots
Ask an APNI
Expert
GrowthCharts
27

Volume One • Number One • April 2022
Volume One • Number Two • December 2022
Volume Two • Issue One - 2023
Volume Two • Issue Two - 2023
ACTIONABLE SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON PLANT NUTRITION
ACTIONABLE SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON PLANT NUTRITION TO ENABLE RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT Issue 2, 2022 | Growing Africa 1
1 Growing Africa | Issue ACTIONABLE 2, 2022 SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON PLANT NUTRITION
ACTIONABLE SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON PLANT NUTRITION Issue 2, 2023 | Growing Africa 1
Volume Three • Issue One - 2024
ACTIONABLE SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON PLANT NUTRITION Issue 1, 2024 | Growing Africa 1
Growing Africa Magazine
www.growingafrica.pub
Established in 2022, Growing Africa Magazine is a flagship publication within this
initiative and for our Institute. The publication is a semi-annual publication with the
stated mission of providing Actionable Scientific Information on Plant Nutrition.
BY THE
NUMBERS
-
Our First
Issue!
PROTECTING AFRICA’S FOOD
SECURITY AND BIODIVERSITY
DOES REGENERATIVE
AGRICULTURE FIT AFRICA?
SHIFTING TOWARDS FARMER-
CENTRIC RESEARCH
MORE INSIDE!
SPECIAL ISSUE
A FOCUS ON THE UPCOMING
AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT ON
FERTILIZER & SOIL HEALTH
Developing Africa’s 10-Year Action Plan
IMPACTS OF THE GLOBAL
FERTILIZER CRISIS
SOIL HEALTH CHALLENGES
BUILDING RESEARCH,
DEVELOPMENT AND
EXTENSION CAPACITY
MORE INSIDE!
THE TAYMATE COOPERATIVE:
+
VOLUMES ISSUES ARTICLES READERSHIP
’
THE ROLE OF 4R
PLANT NUTRITION IN
LIVING AGRICULTURAL
LANDSCAPES
A WOMEN-LED
EMPOWERMENT STORY
LONG-TERM TILLAGE
PRACTICES IN TUNISIAN
FIELD CROPPING SYSTEMS
MORE INSIDE!
CARBON MANAGEMENT IN
AFRICA’S AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS
SOLUTIONS FROM:
The 9th International Symposium on Soil Organic Matter
26-31 May 2024
Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
Benguérir, Morocco
28

Focus Issue on Soil Carbon Management
I
n 2024, we dedicated our first issue of Growing Africa to soil organic matter and soil carbon
management in Africa’s agro ecosystems. This was also an output connected to the 9th International
Symposium on Soil Organic Matter (SOM24) held for the first time in Africa at the Mohammed VI
Polytechnic University (UM6P).
By partnering with SOM24, we gathered research stories on soil carbon dynamics and carbon
management strategies including: how olive tree biomass assessment is aiding our ability to predict
and value carbon cycling within rainfed systems in North Africa, what is the carbon stabilization
potential of different forage mixes under arid soil environments, what is the impact of improved
forage species on soil carbon storage and forage production in Madagascan grazing lands, lessons on adequate fertilizer-farmyard
manure combinations to sustain both maize yields and soil organic carbon in Kenya, soil organic carbon
storage potential and the net climate benefit of conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe; and determining
the value of manure and phosphorus applications in unlocking immobilized soil P and establishing a
system of sustainable intensification for maize.
Our second issue covered a range of subjects including: how carbon finance can be implemented to
foster benefits of diversified cropping within a coffee-growing landscape, how historical influences
and outcomes can be used to compare sustainable intensification of robusta coffee in Africa and
Asia, work exploring novel fertilizer source x timing combinations for maize in Nigeria, and farmerled
ingenuity for farm equipment adaptation to further inspire large scale adoption of conservation
agriculture in Morocco.
29

30
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Over our first five years, staff have contributed authorship to 114
scientific publications including peer-reviewed journal articles,
books, book chapters, reports, and science extension. These works
span a diverse array of topics, including soil fertility management,
plant nutrition optimization, and sustainable farming practices
tailored to African agroecosystems. Their collaborative efforts with
international research organizations, academic institutions, and local
farming communities underscore APNI’s commitment to bridging
science and practice, empowering stakeholders across the agricultural
value chain with actionable knowledge.
2024 PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLES
1
...the study proposes
that African governments and
African development organizations
build a 21st-century national agricultural
research and extension systems (NARES)
in which research is defined, prioritized,
and implemented by NARES with the
International agricultural research system
being in service to the NARES. Achieving
this vision will require action by actors
including African development agencies
and governments, leadership within
the NARES, the CGIAR and other
international research organizations,
donors, and the private
sector.
BUILDING 21ST CENTURY
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
AND EXTENSION SYSTEMS
IN AFRICA
JANUARY 2024
1.
Jayne, T.S., Zingore, S., Ibra Niang, A., Palm, C., Sanchez,
P. 2024. Building 21st century agricultural research and
extension systems in Africa. Breakthrough Institute. Berkeley,
California, USA. p. 56.
https://thebreakthrough.org/issues/food-agricultureenvironment/building-21st-century-agricultural-research-andextension-systems-in-africa
4
-
83
JOURNAL
ARTICLES
13
BOOK
CHAPTERS
2. Ludemann, C.I., Wanner, N., Chivenge, P., Dobermann,
A., Einarsson, R., Grassini, P., Gruere, A., Jackson, K.,
Lassaletta, L., Maggi, F., Obli-Laryea, G., van Ittersum,
M. K., Vishwakarma, S., Zhang, X., and Tubiello, F. N.
2024. A global FAOSTAT reference database of cropland
nutrient budgets and nutrient use efficiency (1961–2020):
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, Earth Syst. Sci.
Data, 16, 525–541,
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-16-525-2024
3. Girsang, S.S., Stuart, A.M., Raharjo, B., Chivenge, P.
Ratmini, N.P.S., Sembiring, H., Yustisia, Suprihatin, A.,
I.L.B. Pabuavon, Buresh, R.J. 2024. Rapid determination
of site-specific N, P, and K management for rice in a tidal
swampland. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst., 128, 149-161.,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-024-10337-w
4. Mutegi, J., Adolwa, I., Kiwia, A., Njoroge, S., Gitonga,
A., Muthamia, J., Nchanji, E., Mairura, F., Majumdar, K.,
Zingore, S., Oberthur, T., Kiremu, M., Kansiime, M. 2023.
Agricultural production and food security implications of
Covid-19 disruption on small-scale farmer households:
Lessons from Kenya, World Development 173, 106405,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.106405
Given the broad application of our
results across the developing world
and SSA countries, in particular, there
is need to improve small-scale food
production through input provision
mechanisms and strengthening input
and output market networks during
such a crisis.
114
High Impact
PUBLICATIONS
3
BOOKS
2
REPORTS
13
SCIENCE
EXTENSION
5.
Our analysis also highlights
the need for measuring the seven
nutrient removal coefficients [harvest
index, grain and residue concentration,
grain and residue P concentration, and
grain and residue K concentration] on-farm.
This will require substantial investment in time
and resources but is necessary to
obtain validated estimates of cropland
nutrient budgets and nutrient use
efficiencies. On this note, the present
work is part of a broader global initiativ
to make crop nutrient data more
openly available.
www.cropnutrientdata.net
Ludemann, C.I., Hijbeek, R., van Loon, M.P., Murrell, T.S.,
Dobermann, A., van Ittersum, M.K. 2024. Tiered maize
and wheat nutrient removal coefficients estimated from
available data. Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-024-10381-6
Addressing K limitations will require an enhanced
capacity to predict crop responses to K fertilizer,
together with long-term, flexible fertilizer and crop
residue management strategies. Furthermore, similar
K limitations have probably emerged in other regions
globally due to intensive cropping with insufficient
K replenishment, which must be addressed to close
yield gaps on existing farmland.
6. 6. Ramachandran, V., Donough, C., Soontat, C. Ratnam, M.,
Mohamad, R., Azahar, S., Hashim, A., Teh, K.S., Mansor,
H., Oberthür, T., Ata, A. 2024. Improving Livelihoods
for Independent Smallholders by Yield Intensification
through Good Agricultural Practices. IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth
Environ. Sci. 1308 012062.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1308/1/012062
6
5

4
*
8
7. Boulal, H., El Gharous, M. 2024. Soil Fertility and Nutrient
Management in Moroccan Dryland Areas. In, (Eds. R.
Moussadek, H. Ouabbou, O. El Gharras, R. Dahan, M. El
Mourid), Research for Promoting Sustainable Farming
Systems in Arid and Semi-Arid areas of Morocco: Challenges,
achievements and future prospects. National Institute of
Agricultural Research INRA Morocco and International
Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). p.
91. ISBN: 978-9920-787-25-3.
7.
...The evidence concluded
through this review showed that
the domain of soil fertility and
plant nutrition in Moroccan dryland
areas need further research. There
is a need to develop interpretation
norms and new or adapted fertilizer
formulations to provide farmers
with tools and alternatives to
improve nutrient use
efficiency.
8.
8.
Addressing K limitations
will require an enhanced
capacity to predict crop responses
to K fertilizer, together with long-term,
flexible fertilizer and crop residue
management strategies. Furthermore,
similar K limitations have probably
emerged in other regions globally due
to intensive cropping with insufficient
K replenishment, which must be
addressed to close yield gaps
on existing farmland.
Rizzo, G., Agus, F., Susanti, Z., Buresh, R., Cassman, K.G.,
Dobermann, A., Agustiani, N., Aristya, V.E., Batubara, S. F.,
Istiqomah, N., Oberthur, T., Pasuquin, J., Samijan, Witt, C,
Grassini, P. 2024. Potassium limits productivity in intensive
cereal cropping systems in Southeast Asia. Nat Food 5, 929-
938.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-01065-z
We presented a number of recommendations
for future studies that aim to understand
availability of B to field-grown maize in tropical
soils, including (split) B fertilizer application at
rates below 3 kg ha −1 to prevent toxicity, as well
as collection of data on factors such as rainfall
(distribution) and B availability in deeper soil
layers, which potentially explain variation in B
uptake and yield response.
9
2
1. Mariko, A., Mokere, R., Murrell, T.S., Amouzou, K.A., Boulal,
H. 2024. A Case Study on Biomass Assessment in a Semi-
Arid Olive Rainfed System in Morocco, Growing Africa 3(1),
2-6. https://doi.org/10.55693/ga31.FDQW7437
2. Mutegi, J., Kalibwani, F., Lamsili, S., Limo, B., Valencia, B.,
Lahmadi, S.E., Komwangi, D., Rhodes, C., Oberthür, T. 2024.
Harnessing Carbon Finance to Elevate Uganda’s Coffee
Sector. Growing Africa, 3(2), 2-5 https://doi.org/10.55693/
ga32.WVND9043
3. Oberthür, T., Sulewski, G., Cook, S. 2024. Robusta Coffee
Value Intensification: The Case for Good Agronomy,
Growing Africa, 3(2), 8-9.
ENABLING MULTIPLE BENEFIT PLANT NUTRITION
By supporting common data
standards, this effort will
catalyze a more consistent and
impactful body of results and
a greater understanding of
EEFs. Regulatory organizations
can utilize this framework
for updating and refining EEF regulations, particularly
regarding demonstrating efficacy in increasing NUE and
reducing environmental losses. Results generated using
these guidelines can provide producers with accurate,
trustworthy information about which EEFs could be used
in their production systems to achieve production and
environmental stewardship goals.
10
9. Breure, M., Van Eynde, E., Njoroge, S., Chikowo, R., Comans,
R., Hoffland, E. 2024. Boron availability and fertilizer response
of maize in soils from sub-Saharan Africa. J. Plant Nutr. Soil
Sci., 1-13.
https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.202400148
10.
Lyons, S.E., Arnall, D.B., Ashford-Kornburger, D., Brouder,
S.M., Christian, E., Dobermann, A., Haefele, S.M., Haegele, J.,
Helmers, M.J., Jin, V.L., Margenot, A.J., McGrath, J.M., Morgan,
K.T., Murrell, T.S., Osmond, D.L., Pelster, D.E., Slaton, N.A.,
Vadas, P.A., Venterea, R.T., Volenec, J.J., Wagner-Riddle, C.
2024. Field trial guidelines for evaluating enhanced efficiency
fertilizers. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J., 89, e20787.
https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20787 Issue
Harnessing Carbon Finance to Elevate
Smallholder Success in Uganda’s Coffee Sector
By James Mutegi, Freddie Kalibwani, Sara Lamsili, Bernice Limo, Brian Valencia, Salah Eddine Lahmadi,
Derrick Komwangi, Claire Rhodes, and Thomas Oberthür
U
ganda, an East African country with high 394,000 tons in 2022, reflecting over a four-fold
potential for productivity, is grappling with increase in six decades (FAO).
multiple challenges of land degradation, Globally, the country ranked 5th in green
livelihoods, and climate change. Stakeholders coffee exports in 2022. The number of coffee farms
agree about the role of sustainable interventions totals over 1.7 M. The coffee industry in Uganda
in reversing and controlling escalation of the faces significant challenges but also holds immense
effects of these challenges. Coffee production is potential for growth. Current yields average
estimated to cover approximately 353,000 ha of the just 0.5 t ha -1 , far below leading producers like
country’s 6.9 M ha of arable land. It contributes Vietnam, which achieved 2.9 t ha -1 in 2022. This
to greater than 15% of Uganda’s export income gap highlights a major opportunity for Uganda to
(World Coffee Research, 2021) and is the main increase productivity. By addressing issues such as
income source for a significant number of Ugandan land degradation and adopting sustainable farming
families. The country’s coffee production has practices, the country can enhance both the quality
grown significantly, from 94,000 tons in 1961 to and quantity of its coffee production, ensuring
2 Growing Africa | Issue 2, 2024
P. CHIVENGE PHOTO
Southwest Uganda, the location of the UCCP study.
greater sustainability and resilience for the industry. heart of the UCCP lies the activation of carbon
There are a multitude of reasons behind, one of (C) finance within an improved coffee landscape
them is land degradation, others, and perhaps even management system. The created additional income
more critical are age of trees, access to knowledge and is envisioned to strengthen the productive capacity
inputs, etc.
of the coffee systems. The project brings together
Such low yields generate low incomes for farmers. the Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union
Markets for payments for environmental services (see (ACPCU) who primarily produce organically certified
Forest Trends Ecosystem Marketplace, 2023) provide coffee, the Environmental Conservation Trust of
an opportunity for agro-forestry systems to generate Uganda (ECOTRUST), NGO Producers Direct, OCPmuch-needed
additional income (e.g., Nath et al. Foundation, Makerere University, and the African
2023) while the corresponding management changes Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), an African leader in
can strengthen systems resilience (Mokondoko et soil health and crop nutrition.
al. 2024). Furthermore, systematically enabling the
provision of environmental services by agroforestry Structure of the implementation
systems integrates economic, social and ecological
This initiative, initially targeting over 3,000
dimensions of sustainability and resilience as a smallholder farmers from the ACPCU in southwest
prerequisite to transformation of farming systems Uganda, is structured around four components:
(Poncet et al. 2024).
(i) planting over 900,000 trees and implementing
As such, a recently established project titled agroforestry practices to mitigate climate change
the “Uplifting Income and Climate Resilience in impacts, (ii) building farmer capacity to adopt
Biodiverse Ugandan Smallholder Coffee Systems” diversified coffee system practices, including
or “Uganda Carbon Coffee Project (UCCP)” is apiculture and horticultural crops, (iii) improving
addressing these challenges through improved system coffee farm incomes through digital marketing of
resilience and agronomy, ecosystem restoration, diversified products integrated into the coffee system
income diversification, and market access. At the
2, 2024 | Growing Africa 3
31

PRATIQUES 4R DE GESTION DES ÉLÉMENTS
• Assure des plantes
saines avec des tiges
• Aide les plantes à résister
aux périodes de sécheresse
• Aide les plantes à résister
• Economise de l’eau pour la plante
INSTITUT
AFRICAIN DE LA
NUTRITION
DES PLANTES
Avantages
du phosphore
EN RIZ
• Aide les plantes à
développer des racines
saines
INSTITUT
AFRICAIN DE LA
NUTRITION
DES PLANTES
PUBLICATIONS & E-LEARNING
APNI has developed an extensive collection of regionand
crop-specific extension publications, including field
booklets, factsheets, and posters. Available in multiple
languages—English, French, Arabic, and Amharic—to
ensure accessibility and relevance in various regional and
cropping contexts.
We are also integrating these materials into our new
e-learning platform to further amplify our reach and make
practical, science-based agricultural knowledge available
to a wider audience of farmers, extension workers, and
agribusiness professionals. The platform enables end-learners
to access interactive and user-friendly content at their own
pace, fostering capacity building and skill development.
This approach promotes the adoption of sustainable plant
nutrition and farming practices. It empowers innovation
towards improved productivity, resilience, and livelihoods via
practical, science-based guidance tailored to specific crops
and agroecological zones.
NUTRITIFS POUR DE BONS RENDEMENTS
DE MAÏS
Avantages
du potassium
EN RIZ
PRATIQUES 4R DE GESTION DES ÉLÉMENTS
NUTRITIFS POUR DE BONS RENDEMENTS
PRATIQUES 4R DE GESTION DES ÉLÉMENTS
NUTRITIFS POUR DE BONS RENDEMENTS
aux attaques des ravageurs et
des maladies
• Favorise le tallage précoce
Potassium (Santé)
• Permet d’obtenir des rendements
élevés en maïs
PLANT NUTRITION
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
Field
BOOKLETS
e-learning
Les symptômes d’une carence en potassium
• Les plants sont peu développés
• Le port est mou
• Le limbe se couvre des taches brunes
• Les bords des feuilles plus âgées deviennent
brun jaunâtre
Les plantes déficientes en potassium se
dessèchent prématurément à partir de
feui les plus basses et plus âgées.
La Bonne Source
La bonne dose de potassium
recommandée est de 30 kg
Les épis déficients en potassium ont
un mauvais remplissage de grains
aux extrémités.
Feui le déficiente en potassium
avec la couleur brun jaunâtre
visible sur les bords des feui les.
de K2O par hectare. Pour cela,
appliquez 4 sacs de NPK 15 :15
:15 par hectare.
Posters
EXTENSION PLATFORM
https://apni-4rlearninghub.net
Appliquez des engrais NPK
tels que NPK 15 :15 :15.
*N’oubliez pas que les
engrais NPK sont basées
respectivement sur les
formes P2O5 et K2O.
La Bonne Dose
Phosphore (Qualité)
• Assure une maturité précoce et
homogène des cultures
• Permet d’obtenir des rendements
élevés en riz
teneurs en P et K dans les
Si votre champ est plus petit
ou plus grand que 1 hectare,
consultez votre agent de
vulgarisation local pour
déterminer le bon nombre de
sacs d’engrais NPK à
• Décoloration brun foncé des nœuds à l’intérieur
de la tige de maïs
• Séchage prématuré des feuilles et des plantes
• Mauvaise garniture du grain à la pointe des épis
Les plantes déficientes en phosphore (à
gauche) sont rabougries et ont moins de
ta les que les plantes saines (à droite).
Les sources de phosphore
recommandées
comprennent les engrais
*N’oubliez pas que les
basées sur les formes
P2O5.
Le Bon Moment Le Bon Endroit
Appliquez l’engrais
appliquer. h tps: /4rsolution.org
fournissant du potassium
comme application basale
plantation.
Plantes déficientes en phosphore
à croissance mince et filiforme.
deux semaines après la
Placez l’engrais tout
autour de la plante dans
5 cm de la plante, puis
recouvrez-le de te re.
Symptômes de carence en phosphore
• Petites plantes vert foncé
• Feuilles minces dressées
• Tiges filiformes
• Moins de panicules
• Nombre inférieur de panicules et de grains par panicules
La Bonne Source Le Bon Moment Le Bon Endroit
Les extrémités des feui les plus âgées
montrent initialement une couleur pourpre,
NPK tels que : 15:15:15 et
10:10:10, et DAP 18:46:00.
par hectare.
Le taux de phosphore recommandés est de 30 kg de P2O5
par hectare. Pour cela, appliquez 4 sacs de NPK 15:15:15
qui progresse dans chaque feui le.
Si votre champ est plus petit ou plus grand que 1
teneurs en phosphore des
engrais NPK et DAP sont
de petits trous à environ
hectare, consultez votre agent de vulgarisation local
pour déterminer le bon nombre de sacs NPK 15:15:15 à
appliquer.
Les plantes déficientes en azote ont de jeunes
feui les vert pâle et des feui les inférieures
jaunes à brunes. Les plantes sont plus courtes
et produisent moins de ta les.
Les sources d’azote de
La Bonne Dose
comprennent les engrais
base recommandées
NPK tels que : 15:15:15 et
montreront un aspect vert pâle (en bas) par
10:10:10, et DAP 18:46:00.
Les rizières déficientes en azote
rapport à la culture verte saine (en haut).
Appliquez de l’engrais à
base d’urée pour fournir
de l’azote pendant le top
dressing.
Azote (Quantité)
Les symptômes d’une carence en azote
• Croissance retardée
• Tiges et feuilles avec de petit format
• Tiges peuvent parfois rugir
• Plantes courtes avec peu de talles
• Petites feuilles jaunâtres
Avantages
de l’azote
• Favorise la croissance
rapide des plantes
• Aide les plantes à produire
de nombreuses talles
• Synthèse de la matière sèche
• Assure que les panicules
contiennent plus de grains
• Améliore la qualité du grain
• Permet d’obtenir des rendements
élevés en riz
• Les feuilles inférieures plus âgées jaunissent
à l’extrémité e tombent
• Tout le champ apparaît en jaune
• Réduction du nombre de panicules et de
grains
La Bonne Source Le Bon Moment Le Bon Endroit
La dose d’azote recommandée est de 100 kg par ha. Pour
ce faire, 4 sacs de NPK 15:15:15 sont nécessaires pour fournir
30 kg d’azote, et 3 sacs d’urée par hectare pour fournir 70
Si vous utilisez différents types d’engrais, consultez votre
agent de vulgarisation local pour déterminer le nombre
de sacs à appliquer en fonction de la teneur en phosphore
de l’engrais disponible et de la tai le de votre rizière.
Appliquez l’engrais
fournissant du phosphore
comme application basale
deux semaines après la
plantation.
La Bonne Dose
kg d’azote.
Si votre champ est plus petit ou plus grand que 1
hectare, consultez votre agent de vulgarisation local pour
déterminer le bon nombre de sacs d’engrais NPK et d’urée
à appliquer.
Si vous utilisez différents types d’engrais, consultez votre
agent de vulgarisation local pour déterminer le nombre
de sacs à appliquer en fonction de la teneur en azote de
l’engrais disponible et de la tai le de votre rizière.
Appliquez l’engrais
uniformément, près
des plants de riz et
recouvrez avec de la
te re.
Appliquez l’engrais
azoté de base requis
deux semaines après la
plantation.
Top dressing : Appliquez
L’engrais de top dressing à
l’urée requis six semaines
après la plantation.
INSTITUT
AFRICAIN DE LA
NUTRITION
DES PLANTES
Les feui les déficientes en azote commencent
à jaunir aux extrémités. La coloration jaunebrun
descend vers le bas de la feui le
Pour les applications
basales e top dressing,
appliquez uniformément
de l’engrais près de la
base des plants de riz et
ente rez avec de la te re.
Avant de faire du top
dressing, assurez-vous
que la rizière est bien
désherbée.
+PUBLICATIONS
Fact
SHEETS
32
Webinars
Conference
PROCEEDINGS

ጊዜ
ቦታ
Guide de Poche
and composition of a l plant (and animal) proteins. The
N
N
N
N
N
Essential role of N
(NO3 - ), which are the major forms of plant-available N.
are transported to the earth’s surface with rainfa l.
Nitrogen is required in large quantities by crops. It is
common for the majority of crop N to be removed from
the field with each harvest (Table 1). Legume crops
inadequate to meet the fu l needs of a crop and its release
When soil organic matter slowly decomposes, a process
sites found on the roots of legume crops. This symbiotic also referred to as mineralization, NH4 + is produced
relationship a lows the crop to fix carbon (C) for the and held by the soil, taken up by crop plants, or further
benefit of the bacteria that, in exchange, provide fixed converted to NO3 - . This NO3 - is also used by plants, but
N to the crop. Legume crops are less reliant on soil N it is vulnerable to being leached from the soil profile,
reserves, or N inputs, as a result.
or converted to gaseous N and lost to the atmosphere
The Haber-Bosch process of industrial N fixation
through denitrification.
(named after its early 20th century inventors) works by
fixing N from the air with hydrogen (H) from a source
NO. 1
Diagnostic
des Cultures
3-5 | December | 2024
Nitrogen (N) has a central and essential role as part of the
structural core of the photosynthetic molecule—chlorophy
l. Nitrogen also has fundamental roles in the building
Lightning activity also fixes smaller amounts of N that
nutritive value of the food we eat begins with providing
crops with an adequate supply of N.
NITROGEN IN PLANTS
www.PAafrica.org | #AfCPA2024
N is a major component of chlorophyll,
the compound by which plants use
have high N demands, but the majority is derived from
biological fixation. Adequate N provides plants with the
capacity for vigorous growth through to maturity, with
harvests of abundant and high-quality crops.
PRECISION AGRICULTURE
in ACTION for AFRICA
4ቱ የ ት የአልሚ ንጥረ ነገር
አጠቃቀም መመሪያ መጽሐፍ
የኤክስቴንሽን ባለሙያዎች
መማሪያ ሞጁሎች
ሞጁል 2
ትክክለኛ መጠን
ምንጭ መጠን
ጊዜ
ቦታ
ትክክለኛ መጠን፡-
በማደግ ላይ ላሉ ሰብሎች ለጤናማ
እድገት እና ልማት ትክክለኛ የሆኑ
አልሚ ንጥረ ነገሮችን መስጠት
4ቱ የ ት የአልሚ ንጥረ ነገር
አጠቃቀም መመሪያ መጽሐፍ
የኤክስቴንሽን ባለሙያዎች
መማሪያ ሞጁሎች
ሞጁል 3
ትክክለኛ ጊዜ
ምንጭ
ትክክለኛ ጊዜ፡-
አልሚ ንጥረ ነገር የሚሰጥበትን ጊዜ
እፅዋት ለመውሰድ ከሚፈልጊበት
ጊዜ ጋር ማጣጣም
መጠን
https://www.apni.net/resources
Maïs
sunlight energy during photosynthesis
N is an essential part of living ce ls and
a component of proteins and enzymes
essential for metabolic processes
N is a component of ATP, the energy-transfer
compound which a lows cells to use the energy
released in metabolism
N is a significant component of nucleic acids
such as DNA, the genetic material that allows
plants to grow and reproduce
N stimulates root growth and crop development
as well as uptake of other nutrients.
Figure 1. Some essential roles of nitrogen in plants.
About 80 percent of the air we breathe is nitrogen
gas (N2), but most crops can’t access atmospheric N
until it is changed through a process ca led “fixation”.
Through either biological, industrial or natural processes,
atmospheric N2 is fixed to ammonium (NH4 + ) or nitrate
Table 1. Nitrogen uptake and removal by common crops.
Crop
Uptake in above
ground biomass,
kg N per t
Removal in
harvested product,
kg N per t
Maize 18 12 (67%)
Rice 16 13 (81%)
Wheat 37 25 (67%)
Sorghum/Mi let 22 13 (59%)
Beans 65 50 (77%)
Groundnuts 70 35 (50%)
APNI data. Legumes obtain most of their N from the air.
Numbers inside parentheses indicate the % of total N uptake
removed in harvested product.
NITROGEN IN SOIL
Soil organic matter is a fundamental source of plantavailable
N. Genera ly, every 1% of soil organic matter
contained within the top 15 cm of soil can release up
to 20 to 30 kg N/ha annua ly. Often, this amount of N is
Biological N fixation involves special microorganisms
(rhizobacteria) that function in the soil and within nodule
is typica ly not synchronized with the important periods of
crop demand.
PROCEEDINGS
የአፍሪካ ፕላንት
ኒዉትሬሽን ኢንስቲትዩት 4ቱ መፍትሄ
የአፍሪካ ፕላንት
ኒዉትሬሽን ኢንስቲትዩት 4ቱ መፍትሄ
such as natural gas to produce ammonia gas (NH3).
This N product is the source of the mi lions of tons of
commercia ly produced N fertilizers around the world.
The rate of release of plant-available N is contro led by
the activity of soil microorganisms, which is influenced by
soil environmental factors such as temperature, moisture,
pH, and texture. Given the right conditions soil microbes
can also immobilize plant-available N back into organic
The ESSENTIALS series is available to download at www.apni.net/resources.
© 2020. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license.
BENGUÉRIR, MOROCCO | WWW.APNI.NET | INFO@APNI.NET
HTTPS://4RSOLUTION.ORG
33

4R4 Africa:
Expanding 4R Knowledge for African Cropping Systems
A
PNI’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework presents a valuable
opportunity to address the agricultural challenges faced by Africa’s
food crop production systems. By emphasizing the right source, right rate,
right time, and right place of nutrient application, within the context
of smallholder cropping systems, the enhanced fertilizer use efficiency
achieved enables African farmers to realize higher yields, better crop
quality, and greater agricultural sustainability.
Given that nutrient application is often inadequate and unbalanced and
has led to widespread soil nutrient deficiencies and degradation, the
need to expand knowledge of 4R nutrient management is essential. The
4R strategy plays a key role in enhancing soil health, minimizing nutrient
losses, strengthening climate resilience, and generating long-term benefits
for farmers and their communities.
Our focus is on driving the R&D needed to build science-based 4R strategies and
secure their adoption at scale through capacity building and knowledge-sharing
initiatives aimed at farmers, extension
workers, researchers, and policymakers. By delivering training,
technical support, and access to localized 4R information,
stakeholders can drive widespread implementation,
ensuring that best practices are effectively integrated
into farming systems across Africa.
34

Over our first five years, APNI has fostered a portfolio
of R&D initiatives now comprised of over 50 field
projects that have been fundamentally build upon our
4R-centric framework for rnutrient management that
guides APNI in its identification and support of desirable
economic, environmental and social outcomes for African
agriculture and its people.
35

Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit (AFSH)
T
he African Union’s (AU) Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH
24) Summit, gathered heads of states, ministers, and agricultural
development partners in Nairobi to launch the initial commitments for
associated investments within its 10-year AFSH Action Plan.
This Action Plan addresses the bottlenecks farmers face for access and
affordability of fertilizer and complimentary organic resources. It also
outlines the critical resources and systems required for supporting the
technologies needed by farmers to ensure they can manage these resources
efficiently and effectively.
APNI was recruited by the AU and its development partners to lead the
process of drafting this guidance for investment by governments, private sector
and partners in development while playing critical organization and facilitation
roles for AFSH itself.
Ultimately, we wish to change the development trajectory of Africa towards a more sustainable
pathway. AFSH identified critical areas for investment into policy, markets and key
technologies for sustainable plant nutrition and soil health. These targets are necessarily
underpinned by accelerated support for new research and extension capacity. This all ensures
relevant and practical knowledge generation that can be translated into scalable solutions for
sustained improvement of agricultural productivity across Africa.
36

Securing Positive Nutrient Management Policy for the Continent
A
s a leading authority on implementing
4R Nutrient Stewardship in Africa, our
collaborations with national and international
R&D institutions are influencing research policy
and accelerating growth in the inclusion of 4R
across the continent.
Our efforts during the past five years have
culminated in 4R Nutrient Stewardship
being prioritized within national, regional
and continental actions plans, policy
recommendations, and future targets for
food security and sustainability.
2023
15 West Africa and Sahel Region
countries released the Lomé
Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil
Health in West Africa recognizing the
crucial role for 4R implementation.
“
…the food needs of a rapidly
growing and urbanized population
require far-reaching changes in
practices towards sustainable agroecological
intensification based
on the optimal use of organic and
mineral fertilizers for improved soil
health through the adoption of the
4Rs principle…
“
…develop context-specific fertilizer and
soil health advisory recommendations
leveraging data and following principles
of 4R Nutrient Stewardship and
Integrated Soil Fertility Management…
The African Union’s Africa Fertilizer and
Soil Health Summit (AFSH) has recognized
the 4R Framework as part of the set priority
actions defining its Nairobi declaration
and recommended enshrinement of 4R
practices and policy within national and
continental action plans.
2024
37

Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizer & Soil Health (CIFSH)
A
PNI is a proud founding partner of the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizer and Soil Health (CIFSH), which has
a broad mandate to develop and implement sustainable fertilizer and soil health in Africa via the co-coordination
of efforts to multiply impact, transfer knowledge, and ensure harmonization of priority actions including:
• Working with the African Union Commission, ECOWAS, and other regional economic organizations to
harmonize the implementation of the core fertilizer and soil health activities under the 10-year AFSH Action
Plan and Soil Initiative for Africa.
• Supporting national and regional initiatives and strengthen the institutional and human capacity for local
ownership and sustainability.
• Identifying and developing research programs for new fertilizer products and fertilizer and soil health
management innovations to generate new funding opportunities.
CIFSH Signatories (left to right:
Dr. Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General
and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa;
Henk van Duijn, IFDC President and CEO;
Dr. Aggrey Agumya, FARA FARA;
Dr. Kaushik Majumdar,
APNI Director General
Reinventing soil health and agronomy on a national level alone can lead to fragmented
efforts and may often be a siloed approach. By engaging in transnational research
and collaboration, we can achieve greater impact.
Dr. Kaushik Majumdar
38

Fertilizer and Soil Health
Hub for West Africa and the Sahel
T
he Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub for West
Africa and the Sahel serves as a regional
platform dedicated to improving soil health and
fertility management. The Hub facilitates access to
digital soil maps, laboratory services, and soil health
monitoring tools, equipping countries with the
data and resources necessary for evidence-based
decision-making.
Through knowledge management, agronomic
innovation, and policy support, the Hub
strengthens national institutions, enhances
extension services, and promotes climatesmart
soil management practices. Key lessons
learned highlight the need for standardized
soil data, localized 4R nutrient management
recommendations, and multi-stakeholder
collaboration to scale sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, the Hub is expanding efforts in
capacity development, advocacy, and resource
mobilization to drive regional soil health initiatives.
With ongoing engagements, including webinars and
training programs, the Hub remains at the forefront
of supporting countries in achieving
resilient and productive
agricultural systems.
APNI’s focus within the Hub is centered on our expertise in capacity building,
translating plant nutrition science into actionable knowledge for smallholder
farmers, and mainstreaming research and farming practice innovation
systems to create locally relevant, farmer-centric solutions to
accelerate change on the ground.
39

25
46 41
0
20
Cote d'Ivoire Tanzania Ghana Kenya
Identifying Key Constraints to 4R Implementation
100
High probability
T
75
he collection of credible scientific evidence informs the transition away from generalized fertilization practices
towards more targeted approaches that are better suited to 50 the regional 26 needs of farmers. One example is the
69 95
baseline survey work from our recent Novel P Project that is helping to define farmer perceptions of key constraints and
prevalent risks that are limiting the use of fertilizers in sub-Saharan Africa.
By quantifying these regional risks, we can begin to work alongside farmers 37 and on-farm research and advisory
teams to build relevant 4R strategies that are tailored to their needs.
What are farmers perceptions of risk?
Percent
25
0
39
59
Low probability
14
Ghana Cote d'Ivoire Kenya Tanzania
100
100
75
Gradual changes
Gradual changes
Erratic changes
Erratic changes
100
75
Major and continual risk
40
Percent Percent
75
50
50
25
25
0
11
10
62
59
11
46
10
41
62
59
46 41
20
Cote d'Ivoire Tanzania Ghana Kenya
20
How are weather patterns changing?
Percent Percent
0
100
100
75
75
Cote d'Ivoire Tanzania Ghana Kenya
High probability Low probability
High probability Low probability
39
39
50 26
69 95
50 26
69
59
95
25
37
59
25
14
0
37
Ghana Cote d'Ivoire Kenya 14 Tanzania
0
Ghana Cote d'Ivoire Kenya Tanzania
100
What is your perception on the occurrence
Major and continual risk
of 100 drought?
75 Major and continual risk
Percent
50
25
0
21
42
53 55
Ghana Kenya Tanzania Cote d'Ivoire
How are the pressures of pests and diseases
impacting your farm?

Building 4R Knowledge and Capacity
A
PNI’s regional partnerships identify opportunities and constraints and bridge the gaps in 4R knowledge
held by extension staff and farmers. Recent examples include work within IFDC’s 2SCALE project
implemented in Kenya, and its EnGRAIS project in West Africa. Both activities engaged our staff in co-development
and delivery of 4R training.
Common Training Objectives
• Assess common practices and constraints.
• Introduce 4R Nutrient Stewardship principles and their contributions to agricultural productivity.
• Provide advisors with regional context and practical guidance for optimizing nutrient management.
• Equip farmers with relevant knowledge for local implementation of 4R practices.
2SCALE
• Our team worked with the Mwea Rice Growers
Multipurpose Cooperative Societies farmers and
extension agents to promote eco-efficient fertilizer
practices.
• Field surveys characterized rice farming practices of 107
farmers and found the majority using conventional,
suboptimal fertilizer practices. Major constraints include
pest infestations, water scarcity, and soil degradation.
• Soil analysis findings from soil nutrient assessments are
guiding fertilizer use recommendations.
• 200 lead farmers and extension agents were trained
on best fertilizer use practices and received 4R Nutrient
Stewardship Guidebooks and certification.
EnGRAIS
• The project’s aim is to increase the availability and use
of appropriate and affordable fertilizers for smallholder
farmers in West Africa.
• Our staff were engaged in co-development and delivery
of multilingual 4R training materials for 40 farmers and
stakeholders in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
41

The 4R Solution Project
TIMEFRAME:
(2019-2024)
PARTNERS:
Global Affairs Canada
Co-operative Development
Foundation of Canada
Fertilizer Canada
Ethio-Wetlands and Natural
Resource Association
Amhara Agricultural
Research Institute
Send Ghana
Savanna Agricultural
Research Institute
Senegal Department of
Rural Development Service
T
he 4R Solution Project has been a flagship project aimed directly at improving the socio-economic well-being and
resilience of smallholder farmers, particularly women, in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal. By integrating 4R Nutrient
Stewardship (Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place) into fertilizer management, the project enhanced crop
productivity and farm income while incorporating gender and environmental resilience strategies.
Key Research Objectives
• Promote sustainable crop production using climate-smart best practices.
• Increase value chain access and integration for farmers.
• Enhance representation of women in leadership roles and decision-making.
• Integrate gender-sensitive 4R principles into national policies in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal.
Key Results
• Targets for 4R reach were widespread and exceeded direct (110%) and indirect (111%) beneficiaries across Ethiopia,
Ghana and Senegal.
• 4R principles were put into practice through 66,992 person-days of enhanced agricultural knowledge training.
• 4R-adopting communities in Ethiopia improved average yields of wheat (15%) and teff (34%).
• Food self-sufficiency in Ethiopian households increased from a baseline of 9.5 months towards the 11-month target.
• 48% of Senegalese women directly attributed livelihood improvements to 4R training programs.
42
Evidence from the 5-year 4R Solution Project has contextualized 4R Nutrient Management strategies
in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal …contributing to the science-based evidence needed for structural
policy change in national management guidelines, and alignment and dissemination of 4R practices within
government extension research and demonstration protocols and published materials.
Dr. Samuel Njoroge

4R Solution Outcomes at a Glance
Widespread Reach
T
he 4R Solution Project has benefited over 152,000 people
through access to agricultural knowledge innovative agronomy,
better crop yields, and credit and gender equality outcomes for
smallholder farmers.
Indirect
Beneficiaries
65,008
66,992 person-days of agronomic training
Direct
Beneficiaries
87,061
ETHIOPIA
SENEGAL
GHANA
100% of households
adopted two or more
4R practices.
48% of households
adopted two or
more 4R practices.
100% of households
adopted two or more
4R practices.
Better Credit Access
in revolving legacy funds established via credit unions, and village
$500,000 savings and loans associations (VSLAs) in Ghana and Ethiopia.
• $250,000 circulated for quick access to credit by 10,000 co-op members within VSLA
groups in Ghana.
• In Ethiopia, nearly +4,660 co-op members, primarily women, accessed similar revolving
credit for their farms and small business enterprises.
Agency of Women
Gender equality training empowered active engagement in business development and
community leadership.
93% of women participants, attending 81,778 person-days of training,
reported increased confidence in farm business and negotiation.
Yield and Profitability Gains
Yield gain,
Crop
t/ha
In Ghana, where fertilizer use is low, adoption of 4R
practices plus other agronomic improvements led to
large yield and income gains.
In Ethiopia, the contribution of better timed fertilizer
applications in wheat and teff crops was especially
significant for improved yield and farm incomes.
Key Policy Activation
ETHIOPIA
• Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research revised national fertilizer strategy.
• 4R policies and guidelines integrated by 8 institutions.
GHANA
• Policies of Savanna Agricultural Research Institute and Tamale Technical University
reflect 4R Framework; Researchers and agronomists actively applying 4R principles in
experimental plots, course curriculum and teaching materials.
SENEGAL
• 4R Principles integrated into research demonstration guidelines by Department
of Rural Development Service.
Income
gain, %
Maize +2.4 100
Groundnut +2 100
Wheat +1.2 30
Teff +0.4 20
43

In-season Nitrogen Management for Wheat in Tunisia
using Proximal and Remote Sensing
TIMEFRAME:
(2023-2024)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
APNRF Funded
PARTNERS:
R
esearchers explored the potential of using proximal and remote sensing technologies to enhance
precision in nitrogen (N) fertilization for durum wheat in Tunisia. The initiative seeks to create satellite
image-based models to estimate N uptake, which can be integrated into decision support systems to
optimize N fertilization practices.
As a key component of Tunisia’s agricultural and economic framework, the cereal sector faces
challenges such as low average yields (1.4 t/ha). Proximal and satellite sensing technologies
offer a cost-effective and scalable approach to improving nutrient recommendations for cereal
production systems. In its first year, experimental trials were conducted across four locations—
Beja, Manouba, Kairouan, and Siliana—representing a diverse set of climatic zones in Tunisia.
Research Objectives
• Develop a calibration model for N uptake and fertilization using field trials with a handheld multispectral sensor.
• Create transfer models to connect spectral data from the handheld sensor with Sentinel-2 satellite imagery.
• Test the proposed methods and models on three farms and gather qualitative feedback from stakeholders.
Key Results
• Vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI, NDRE) were recorded
alongside chlorophyll concentrations (SPAD readings)
and laboratory-analyzed N concentrations.
• Both NDVI and NDRE reached saturated levels which
limited further N-related measurement after plant
tillering stages (Growth Stage 31-39) resulting in a weak
correlation between N content and both vegetation indices.
• Lower vegetation index values were observed as plants shifted growth
after spikelet emergence (Growth Stage 50-58)
• Field days were organized to engage wheat farmers on sustainable
farming practices, N management, and applications of satellite and
proximal sensing technologies.
• The project supports a M.Sc. student in data refinement and advanced
N modeling.
• Continued collaboration aims to improve our understanding of N
dynamics and advanced agricultural decision-making tools.
44

Fighting Hidden Hunger through Micronutrient
Fertilization in Maize and Rice in Tanzania
T
his project is contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for nutrition-sensitive agriculture
in the drylands of Tanzania. Researchers focused on improving micronutrient management in maize
and rice cropping systems to address hidden hunger caused by nutritional deficits in harvested staple
food grains. Initial activities involved a reconnaissance survey and detailed soil sampling across
irrigated maize and rice-growing villages in Kilombero. Analysis revealed widespread zinc (Zn) and
manganese (Mn) deficiencies in rice fields, but also a high degree of site-specific variability in soil
nutrient concentrations. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially Zn, are limiting crop performance.
Site-specific fertilization strategies are essential for optimal crop productivity and quality.
Research Objectives
• Determine micronutrient status in soil and harvested grain in the Morogoro region.
• Establish micronutrient fertilizer 4R (source, rate, time, and placement) combinations for optimum
micronutrient concentrations in rice and maize.
• Determine the effect of microbial inoculant formulations that lead to enhanced mineral micronutrient
absorption and accumulation in maize and rice.
Key Results
• Composite soil samples collected and analysed for pH,
electrical conductivity, texture, and iron (Fe), copper (Cu),
Zn, and Mn concentrations across 3 maize-growing and 4
rice-growing villages.
• Soil Zn deficiency was detected in several rice-growing
zones, notably Mkula Zone 2 (0.5 mg/kg) and Kisawasawa
Zone 3 (0.7 mg/kg). Both foliar-applied and moderate rates
of soil-applied zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) proved effective at
alleviating the soil deficiency.
• Critically low soil Mn (2.4 mg/kg) found in the Mkula Zone 2.
• Sufficient to high concentrations of Cu and Fe found in all
areas.
TIMEFRAME:
(2023-2024)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
APNRF Funded
PARTNERS:
Sokoine University
of Agriculture
Tanzania
Agricultural
Research
Institute (TARI)
Selian
45

Consortium for Precision Crop Nutrition (CPCN)
C
ollaboration efforts among researchers, agronomists, and
industry experts enhances nutrient use efficiency, improves soil
health, and boosts agricultural productivity. Through its science-based,
data-driven approaches, and forum-building, the Consortium for Precision
Crop Nutrition (CPCN) is playing a pivotal role in advancing crop nutrition.
Webinars and knowledge-sharing initiatives facilitate discussions on
emerging challenges and innovative solutions in precision agronomy. Since its
establishment in 2021, +60 Webinar sessions have been conducted through its
seminar series.
With an expanding reach, CPCN promotes cutting-edge research, digital
innovations, and policy engagement to support climate-smart, resource-efficient
farming. A growing network and continuous learning opportunities place CPCN
at the leading edge of precision crop nutrition and its contribution to global food
security and sustainability.
www.precisioncropnutrition.net
Open Data Crop Nutrition Platform
Initiated in 2022, the collaborative efforts of over 100
researchers have expanded the Open Data Crop Nutrition
Platform (https://cropnutrientdata.net/) to over 3,000
datasets on crop nutrient content, soil fertility, and nutrient
omission trials from over 70 countries.
This resource serves over 5,000 users from over 400
organizations including universities, research institutes,
agribusiness companies, and governmental bodies.
Insights from our engagements highlight the need to integrate site-specific nutrient
management with digital tools, enhance data standardization, and strengthen
multi-stakeholder collaboration to scale sustainable practices.
46
This growing community demonstrates the CPCN’s strong commitment to transforming
farming systems through global collaboration, cutting-edge agronomic research, and the
development of data-driven solutions that advance sustainable crop nutrition.
Dr. Canon Norris Savala Engoke, CPCN Coordinator

Advancing Agronomic Advisory Services
for Sustainable Agriculture
T
he newly proposed Professional African Certified Agronomy Advisory Program (PCAAP) is aimed at improving
the knowledge base of agricultural extensionists to transform smallholder agronomic practices across Africa.
Training and, where possible, certifying agronomy professionals equips them with comprehensive knowledge and
ensures that farmers can access science-based advisory services that promote sustainable soil and crop management,
fosters climate-smart agricultural practices, and ultimately improve their livelihoods.
Engaging rural farming communities in self-development initiatives fosters self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
Strategic partnerships with private companies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations can
enhance access to context-specific agronomic advice. Digital communication tools such as mobile applications, SMS
and USSD services, web-based portals, drones, remote sensing, AI, and chatbot systems for extension services can enable
real-time interaction between agronomists and farmers to improve on-farm decision-making.
Key Goals of Professional African Certified Agronomy Advisory Program
• Enhance the quality of advisory services through standard
training and certification.
• Develop comprehensive and accessible agronomic
knowledge repositories.
Africa’s Agronomic Advisory Services Need
Coordinated Support to Overcome:
• Fragmented and inefficient operation models.
• Low extension worker to farmer ratios.
• Gaps in context-specific agronomic knowledge and
decision support tools.
• Encourage cross-border learning and sharing of best practices to
foster regional collaboration and capacity building amongst advisors.
• Strengthen national and regional agricultural advisory systems
by leveraging partnerships with public, private, and development
sectors.
More than just an initiative to boost productivity, PCAAP is an
investment in food security, environmental sustainability, and the economic
resilience of the African continent. The program is directly contributing
to AFSH Outcome of enhancing capacity for sustainable fertilizer and soil
health management.
47

www.paafrica.org
3-5 | December | 2024
African Conference on Precision Agriculture (AfCPA)
I
nitiated in 2020, AfCPA is a pan-African biennial scientific forum for the advancement
of precision agriculture science and extension. AfCPA attracts a global audience
but is focused on Africa’s unique needs. Each year, the event operates within a network
structure that uniquely connects an African host conference to multiple in-person
satellite sites hosted by local partner organizations across the continent.
Key Objectives
• Strengthen and support the precision agriculture research and extension
communities.
• Engage key stakeholders (i.e., scientists, policy-makers, extension staff, crop advisors,
agronomists, and service providers) towards the common goal of building the capacity
and resilience of African cropping systems and their farmers.
Key Outcomes
www.PAafrica.org | #AfCPA2024
PRECISION AGRICULTURE
in ACTION for AFRICA
Precision
Agriculture
AWARD
• Establishment of the African Association of Precision Agriculture (AAPA) to further
build and engage research, extension, education, and training; promote the advancement
of precision agriculture science; and further international collaboration.
• Establishment of the APNI Precision Agriculture Award to recognize outstanding activity
in the field of precision agriculture research, outreach or education in Africa.
• Conference Proceedings with +280 research papers published across its 3 conferences
Topics
• Adoption
• Artificial Intelligence
• Business Models
• Climate
• Data Management
• Decision Support
• Economics
• Education
• Mapping
• Experimentation
• Policy
• Livestock
• Nutrient Management
• Agronomy
• Remote Sensing
• Robotics
• Social Science
• Water Management
Distribution
of AfCPA participants
across Africa.
PROCEEDINGS
The ongoing mission of our AfCPA Conference is to build the connections
between precision agriculture science and practice for Africa.
48

AfCPA
is Growing!
+
REGISTRATIONS
in
(+30% vs debut)
PARTICIPATION
COUNTRIES
in AFRICA
(+50 worldwide)
PARTNERSHIPS
NATIONAL
HOSTS
49

Empower-OFE:
Empowering Farmer-Centric Agricultural Transformation
O
n-farm experimentation (OFE) builds on agricultural research and innovation that starts with the farmer. The OFE
approach is uniquely focused on data-driven co-development and discovery of actionable agronomy–all with strong
consideration for scalable solutions that can support the building of on-farm value.
As APNI moves towards implementing its OFE 2.0 strategy, we seek to continue to strengthen the connections
between farmers and representative agribusiness, agroindustry, R&D, and extension. This team approach
enables innovation from the bottom-up. Although this work steps away from a traditional research-led
approach, we believe this establishes a more self-sustaining engagement model. By keeping farmers at
the center of the development of crop nutrition strategies, we ensure relevance. Concomitantly, scientific
input and processes are legitimized while credence is added to farmer-centric research.
OFE 2.0 provides a co-learning platform for smallholder farmers and researchers to develop practical knowledge
and technology and respond to market demands. Through scalable business models, farmers can be more active
participants in a new era of agricultural innovation development.
OFE 2.0 is a long-term investment in solving food insecurity, achieving environmental
sustainability and making agricultural innovation more inclusive by changing the paradigm
from “research for the farmer” to “research with the farmer”.
50

OFE encourages farmers to interact
with researchers, teams of crop
improvement end-user stakeholders,
and learn by doing with other
smallholder innovators.
Post season dialogues
create co-learning platforms
to explore results, collect
feedback, and forge a way
forward for the next season.
OFE progressively builds
locally relevant evidence
and de-risks packages of
best practice for better
adoption and scaling.
Season
1
Season
2
Season
3
• By placing farmers at the center of agricultural innovation we recognize
their essential role as primary producers. This OFE approach integrates
our scientific knowledge with farmers’ practical expertise and
experiences.
• Farmers are innovators and problem solvers who possess invaluable
knowledge about their local environments. An inclusive, on-farm
approach involves fostering an environment where farmers can directly
access, and contribute to, agricultural research and technology adoption.
APNI’s Most Recent OFE-Centric Projects
• Climate-Smart Agricultural Options and Market Responsive
Business Strategies for Rice in Uganda
• Fine-Tuning Climate-Smart Nitrogen Management
Practices in Maize-Based Systems in Kenya
• Novel P Pilot: A strategy for phosphorus fertilizer
sustainability
• Nutrient Catalyzed Agricultural Transformation
• Carbon and Soil Health in Olive Systems
51

Nutrient Catalyzed Agricultural Transformation
(NUTCAT) Project
TIMEFRAME:
(2021-2026)
PARTNER:
OCP Africa
Tanzania Agricultural
Research Institute
(TARI)
Savannah Agricultural
Research Institute
(SARI)
The National Agency
for Rural Development
(ANADER)
Kenya Agricultural &
Livestock Research
Organization (KALRO)
National Stakeholders
Smallholder Farmers
T
he NUTCAT project is APNI’s blueprint for a self-sustaining
innovation system to transform smallholder food production
through farmer-led on-farm experimentation (OFE) and co-learning.
The NUTCAT network has operated maize trial sites in Côte d’Ivoire,
Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Togo, and Tanzania; rice sites in Tanzania;
and wheat and barley sites in Tunisia.
Key Research Objectives
• Improve cereal system production using precision nutrient
management.
• Explore remote sensing methods to evaluate grain yield potential
and spatial variation in smallholder agriculture.
• Engage farmer-centric, co-learning environments via on-farm experimentation.
Key Results
• 268 trials spread across seven countries in East, West and North Africa
• In 2024, 1,307 farmers participated in Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Cumulatively, the project has engaged over 3,000 farmers.
• Since its inception, the project has supported the work of 4 Ph.D. students across 4 institutions.
Proof of Concept Phase
• Post-harvest dialogue mechanism proves effective for farmer engagement.
• Cereal Crop Improvement Team Platform successfully involves multiple stakeholders.
• OFE processes build farmers’ financial, human, natural, and social capital.
Pilot Phase
• Co-developed learning systems for enhanced knowledge exchange and competency building.
• Co-developed novel methods and tools for OFE analysis.
• Developed framework for simple and self-organized scaling.
Prototype Phase
• Test and validate blueprints for co-learning and on-farm competency.
• Document farmer-owned processes and validate OFE research tools and methods.
• Validate business models with commercial partners.
52

Maize grain yield, kg/ha
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Farm Practice
Optimized
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Agronomic yield data
from Côte d’Ivoire OFE
0
CV,%
Maize grain yield, kg/ha
7,000 7,000
6,000 6,000
Integration of social, agronomic and spectral information
at post-harvest dialogues- Côte d’Ivoire OFE
Maize grain yield, kg/ha
5,000 5,000
4,000 4,000
3,000 3,000
2,000 2,000
1,000 1,000
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0 0
0
Farm Practice Farm Practice Optimized Optimized
Spectral data from
Cote d’Ivoire OFE
CV,%
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
CV,%
Maize grain yield, kg/ha
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
Farm Practice
Optimized
Agronomic yield data
from Kenya OFE
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
CV,%
Agronomic yield data from
Kenya OFE
Integration of social, agronomic and spectral information
at post-harvest dialogues- Kenya OFE
• Spectral information is converted to yield
maps to create awareness and garner
insights on reasons for high variability
(e.g., tree shading, soil properties, or
management aspects such as uneven
manure application).
• Co-learning between researchers and
farmers occurs continually in the field and
at post-harvest dialogue meetings.
• Post-harvest dialogues provide
opportunities to incorporate farmer
insights to adjust treatment designs
(e.g., organic amendments for better
retention of nutrients and water) in
scientist-led “living lab” hubs. This
achieves the intended integration
of formal and informal knowledge
within a scalable agricultural
innovation system.
6,000
5,000
Farmer Practice
Optimized
• Season-by-season results find a corresponding crop yield
improvement with the continued co-learning, engagement, and
support farmers get from NUTCAT participation.
Grain yield, kg/ha
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
2021 (Short Rain) 2022 (Long Rain) 2022 (Short Rain) 2023 (Long Rain)
Cropping season
Maize yield trends across seasons in the optimized (OT) and
farmers’ practice (FP) plots. Bands represent yield variation.
53

Climate-Smart Agricultural Options and Market
Responsive Business Strategies for Rice in Uganda
TIMEFRAME:
(2022-2025)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
APNRF Funded
PARTNER:
Makerere University
National Agricultural
Research Organization
(NARO)
T
he project aims to improve crop productivity through proper rice nutrition, sound agronomic and
climate-smart agricultural options with a market-responsive business strategy. Good agronomic
practices, balanced fertilization practices, climate-smart adaptation measures, better organized farmer-led
institutions, and effective private sector partnerships will be key interventions to be promoted. This project has
the potential to benefit thousands of upland rice farmers.
Key Research Objectives
• Evaluate rice yield response and nutrition quality under climate-smart nutrient, water,
and agronomic management.
• Determine socio-economic drivers for adoption of fertilizers, and climate adapted nutrient,
water, and agronomic management options.
• Strengthen farmer-led institutions and private partnerships for improved efficiency in the
production and marketing of rice.
Key Results
• Over 500 beneficiary farmers have been trained and sensitized on climate-smart practices for
upland rice production, and positive feedback from the surrounding community has been common.
• The last 4 seasons of research and demonstration trials point to observable yield improvements.
• Farmers formed a cooperative to reduce risk and create linkages through strategic
partnerships that boost market access and overcome hurdles to adequate inputs, credit, and
insurance.
• Research is now exploring the contribution of phosphorus application on crop yields, as influenced by soil
physical properties, soil moisture retention, and P sorption and buffering capacity.
• Since inception, the project has supported 10 M.Sc. students.
54

Fine-Tuning Climate-Smart Nitrogen Practices in Maize-Based
Crop Systems of Eastern Kenya
T
his project focuses on improving maize productivity in Eastern Kenya through better
nitrogen and moisture management. By testing and promoting climate-smart farming
techniques, the initiative is helping farmers establish strategies to achieve higher yields in
a cost-effective and sustainable way. Through on-station and on-farm experimentation,
farmers learn and adopt improved practices firsthand. Strengthening maize production
will not only enhance food security but also build resilience against environmental and
economic challenges in the region.
Key Research Objectives
• Assess the adoption of fertilizer and moisture conservation practices.
• Evaluate nitrogen and soil moisture management options.
• Promote adoption of best practices for fertilizer and moisture management.
• Operationalize real-time advisory services.
TIMEFRAME:
(2022-2024)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
APNRF Funded
PARTNER:
University of Nairobi
Key Results
• Farmer-led evaluations confirmed significant yield increases
with soil moisture retention practices and slow-release
nitrogen fertilizers.
• OFE trials continue in Embu and Siakago with increased
farmer enthusiasm to test and adopt new technologies.
• The hub-and-spoke model with lead farmers acting as
demonstrators to their peers has proved highly effective.
• Barriers to adoption include large farm size, male-headed
households, and reliance on family labor only.
• Farmers were more likely to adopt best practices if they had
exposure to training, practical demonstrations, and formal
education.
55

Land CAPITAL:
Agronomy to Recapitalize Multiple Benefit Landscapes
T
here is a critical need to develop and implement site-specific knowledge,
skills and strategies for sustainable recapitalization of agricultural
landscapes in Africa.
Development and adoption of practical agronomy to serve multi-purpose
landscapes is central to exploring the benefits of innovative nutrient use
and crop diversification within our cropping systems.
The added value that can extend from this approach includes
enhancement of nutrient and water use efficiency, carbon
sequestration and access to carbon financing, improved soil and
ecosystem health, climatic adaptation, higher yields, improved
product quality, and market diversification.
Sustainable recapitalization focuses on restoring and enhancing the health and resilience of
agricultural land through practices that improve water quality, soil health, and biodiversity,
while also supporting long-term economic and environmental vitality and viability.
56

Uplifting Income and Climate Resilience in Biodiverse
Ugandan Smallholder Coffee Systems
O
ur ongoing project in southwest Uganda continues to work to secure a new level of
sustainability, climate resilience, and prosperity for coffee farmers. This on-farm research
is tackling the common issues of land degradation, climate change, and declining livelihoods
through new carbon finance strategies designed to improve soil health and diversify incomes.
Our consortium of research and development partners is looking to
better understand the impact of improved soil nutrient management
on carbon credit creation and market responsive diversification
along the coffee value chain while addressing the production
challenges faced by growers.
Key Research Objectives
• Activate carbon to enable farmers to improve coffee system productivity and quality
through diversification.
• Inspire youth, women, and farmers to support crop diversification outcomes with enhanced
marketing strategies.
• Assess the impact of improved agronomy on soil carbon sequestration, coffee performance and
sustainability in the landscape.
Key Results
• 1,082 farmers recruited by year end – 72% of annualized target.
• Over 189,000 tree seedlings planted by participating farmers.
• Initial carbon finance payments delivered USD 22,200 to 277
farmers – equal to 1 month’s income.
• AI-based yield monitoring launched with the Croppie mobile app
technology.
• FarmDirect mobile app introduces expanded and timely market
access generating USD 70,514 from a more diversified range of
farm products for 716 farmers.
TIMEFRAME:
(2023-2026)
PARTNERS:
Ankole Coffee
Producers Cooperative
Union
Ltd.
Environmental
Conservation
Trust of Uganda
(Ecotrust)
Makerere
University
Producers Direct
OCP-Foundation
Uganda Coffee
Development
Authority
NARO Uganda
Mohammed
VI Polytechnic
University
(UM6P)
Grainpulse
57

ATCS Cacao: Soil Health and Carbon
Sequestration in Ghanaian Cocoa Agroforestry
and Monoculture Systems
TIMEFRAME:
(2023-2026)
PARTNERS:
CSIR-Soil Research
Institute
University of Ghana
Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science
and Technology
(KNUST)
Cocoa Research
Institute of Ghana
(CRIG)
T
his
project is focused on enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration in Ghana’s cocoa production
systems. It is working to evaluate the impact of agroforestry versus monoculture cocoa farming on
carbon storage, soil fertility and farm productivity, thus contributing to long-term agricultural
resilience in cocoa-growing regions. A key component is the introduction of biocharcompost
as a soil amendment with the goal of improving soil structure, nutrient
retention, and overall farm sustainability.
Key Research Objectives
• Improve engagement between research and extension services to find the fundamental
knowledge gaps hindering efficient nutrient use in cocoa systems.
• Establish a participatory research process with farmers and private sector partners to
engage the extension of relevant research outputs.
• Catalyze innovation by aligning novel crop nutrition research and education packages for
cocoa systems.
Key Results
• 360 farmers interviewed on indigenous agronomic
techniques and knowledge of fertilizer and residue
management and soil health perceptions.
• Biochar-compost production launched at 4 cocoa farms
and 60 farmers trained on biochar composting techniques.
• Field trials established to test biochar-compost’s impact on cocoa
yield, soil carbon sequestration, and phosphorus availability.
• Project now supports 2 Ph.D. candidates and 2 M.Phil. students
collectively closing knowledge gaps on soil health and carbon
sequestration in agroforestry and monoculture cocoa systems.
58

FRAME Cocoa: A Remote Sensing Supported Framework that
Incentivizes Site-specific Agronomic Management of Smallholder
Cocoa Farms in Ghana
T
his project aims to harness GIS tools and remote sensing data to develop a decision support
system model for accurately detecting and predicting soil health within the context of cocoa
farm management in Ghana. This study will assess the variation of soil nutrients across the
different shade systems in cocoa farming. The research will also test a proof of concept by
developing an organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF) to suit site-specific cocoa nutrient requirement
and reduce nutrient losses to the environment.
Key Research Objectives
• Characterize soil health archetypes in monocropping and agroforestry cacao cropping systems in
two agro-ecological zones.
• Assess the relationship between the mapped soil health archetypes and cocoa yield.
• Explore novel approaches based on digital information to characterize soil health and cocoa productivity.
• Identify cocoa productivity responsive crop nutrition interventions.
Key Results
• Data collection for cocoa shade mapping complete and a
review is underway on remote sensing techniques to map
cocoa landscape according to shade levels and optimize
decision support for cocoa productivity at the landscape-scale.
• Compost analysis for organo-mineral fertilizer (OMF)
determines 2:1 mixing ratio v/v of cocoa pod husk and poultry
manure as optimum based on feedstock availability, organic
carbon, and nutrient content.
• First cocoa bean yield samples completed and prepped for
further analyses.
• First year GHG emission measurements completed following
OMF application to more fully understand the impacts of the
practice.
• Project supports 1 Ph.D. candidate and 4 M.Sc. students
working on site-specific use of OMF, and related aspects
of nutrient cycling, soil health, tree nutrition, and suitability
mapping, for cocoa shade systems in the landscape.
TIMEFRAME:
(2022-2026)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
APNRF Funded
PARTNERS:
CSIR-Soil Research
Institute
Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science
and Technology
(KNUST)
Cranfield University
Cocoa Research
Institute of Ghana
(CRIG)
59

Guiding Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration
Potential Under Selected Crop Production
Systems in Tanzania
TIMEFRAME:
(2023-2024)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
APNRF Funded
PARTNER:
Tanzania
Agricultural
Research Institute
(TARI) Milingano
Centre
R
esearchers are exploring the potential for cocoa, coffee, maize, and
wheat crop production systems to enhance soil organic carbon
(SOC) sequestration to mitigate climate change and improve agricultural
productivity. Conducted in Rungwe and Mbeya districts, Tanzania, the
study is collecting and analyzing soil samples to evaluate the impact
of nutrient management practices and crop types on SOC stocks.
Sustainable land management and enhanced farmer livelihoods will
benefit from the development of C credit schemes and C predictive tools.
Key Research Objectives
• Identify nutrient management options under cocoa, coffee, maize, and wheat
cropping systems.
• Evaluate soil health status across crop systems and quantify SOC stocks in these
selected systems.
• Develop predictive models for SOC sequestration.
Key Results
• 144 bulk and core soil samples (0-40 cm) collected across
cocoa, coffee, maize, and wheat farms.
• Key predictors of SOC include soil bulk density and total
nitrogen.
• SOC was highest under trees crops (cocoa > coffee) compared
to cereal crops (maize > wheat).
• SOC under cocoa and coffee systems benefit most from
traditional use of manure.
• Cocoa soils benefit from denser tree canopies that contribute
more C.
• Inorganic fertilizers appear more effective at SOC sequestration
than current integrated uses of fertilizer and manure.
• Tailored management practices will be a key to maximizing
SOC sequestration.
60

ATCS Olive: Carbon and Soil Health in Olive Systems
Key Results
• Biomass partitioning assessed in young and mature olive
trees.
• Tree biomass and soil samples collected for nutrient and C
content analysis.
• Evidence gathered on intercropped species to evaluate their
contribution to the olive orchard system.
T
his project is helping to realize the strategic economic benefits North Africa derives from olive
production. The study is focused on obtaining a better understanding of farmers’ perception
of soil health and carbon (C) sequestration potential and their drivers. Researchers are creating
new insights on nutrient uptake and removal responses and C sequestration potential under
good nutrient management and agricultural practice interventions.
Key Research Objectives
• Discover fundamental knowledge gaps that hinder efficient nutrient use in olive systems through
improved engagement between research and extension services.
• Establish participatory research process with farmers and the private sector for relevant research
output dissemination.
• Catalyze the adoption of innovative practices through an alignment of novel crop nutrition research and
education packages for olive systems.
• Surveys engaged farmers to gauge perceptions
of soil health and the C sequestration potential
within olive groves.
• Comprehensive crop management
packages planned to integrate innovative
technologies aimed at optimizing soil
health and promoting sustainable
agricultural practices.
TIMEFRAME:
(2023-2026)
PARTNERS:
Mohamed VI
Polytechnic
University (UM6P)
Olive Institute /
Faculty of Sciences
Tunis El Manar
National Agricultural
Research Systems
Olive Tree Crop
Producer
Networks
Research in Morocco’s Ouezzane region focuses on understanding how different landscape positions influence
soil carbon stocks. By assessing the stability and turnover of soil organic matter, the work provides
critical insights into how soil health can be optimized to support long-term agricultural productivity.
61

RAFAD:
Expanding Resilient Agriculture for Africa’s Drylands
E
nsuring food security and sustainable livelihoods in Africa’s dryland
regions is essential due to the distinct challenges posed by
arid and semi-arid environments. These areas are highly vulnerable
to climate fluctuations, facing unpredictable rainfall, prolonged
droughts, and rising temperatures that significantly impact
agricultural productivity.
A key factor in strengthening resilience in dryland agriculture is
enhancing soil health. Adopting soil conservation techniques—
such as reduced tillage, agroforestry and cover cropping—helps
to combat soil erosion and degradation. Maintaining healthy soils
boosts water retention and nutrient availability, making farming
systems more resilient to shifting climate conditions.
Providing farmers with access to training and information on sustainable
practices enables them to make well-informed decisions and better navigate
environmental uncertainties. Strengthened resilience requires active farmer
participation in decision-making, equipping them with the skills and knowledge
needed to adapt, innovate and develop sustainable solutions in response to evolving
agricultural challenges.
62

Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Irrigated
Wheat in Morocco
Key Results
R
esearch focusing on micronutrient content in wheat cultivated under Moroccan farm
management is scarce. This knowledge gap is concerning given the country’s domestic goals
for food and nutritional security. Micronutrient content of grains is dependent on crop variety
selection, on-farm management, soil fertility and health, and the growing environment. These
factors all need to be better understood to inform farmers on how best to manage cereal crops
for high quality.
Key Research Objectives
• Investigate the influence of current micronutrient management strategies on iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn)
concentrations of harvested grain across major irrigated wheat-growing regions in Morocco.
• Develop guidelines for agronomic biofortification using micronutrient fertilizers.
• Surveys and sampling in the Tadla and Gharb regions are adding
insight on farm practices by collecting wheat crop management
data for input use factors such as types, quantities, and
application methods for macro and micronutrients, herbicides
and organic sources.
• Data on grain yield responses is driven by supplemental irrigation
and top-dressed nitrogen fertilization.
• Balanced, 4R-based management of nitrogen, phosphorus,
potassium and manure applications is critical to higher wheat
yields. Analysis of data on grain nutritional status is pending.
TIMEFRAME:
(2024-2026)
PARTNERS:
International
Center for
Agricultural
Research in the Dry
Areas (ICARDA)
Regional Offices
of Agricultural
Development
(ORMVA) for Tadla
and Gharb
Sampled bread wheat plots in Tadla (Beni-Mellal Khenifra
region) and Gharb regions (Rabat-Salé-Kenitra)
63

Assessing Farmer Knowledge on Nutrient and Water
Management in Olive Systems
TIMEFRAME:
(2023-2026)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
APNRF Funded
PARTNER:
Institut National
de la Recherche
Agronomique
(INRA Maroc)
T
his study is focused on the assessment of olive growers’ knowledge on how
current orchard management strategies have impacted olive tree health and
productivity in the northern Moroccan province of Ouezzane. Olive production is a
critical agro-industrial sector for this region since its olive orchards occupy about
44% of agricultural lands and are particularly known for their high-quality extra
virgin olive oil.
Key Research Objectives
• Characterize olive grower farm management in northern Morocco through a baseline
survey.
• Identify the common challenges faced, and possible opportunities, for nutrient and water
management interventions needed to gain resiliency.
Key Results
• Surveys of 103 olive growers in Ouezzane found a dominance of smallholders with less than 5 ha
(83% of surveyed farmers) and most (87%) farm under rainfed conditions with almost 81% of trees over
12-years-old.
• Dependence on traditional practices and existing knowledge gaps expose farms to the impacts of excessive tillage,
uncertain nutrient management, variable rainfall, and an absence of mechanization.
• Good potential exists for more guided fertilizer use to stabilize and improve yields in water-limited farms and reduce
financial vulnerabilities.
64

Improving Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency to Increase
Moroccan Olive Climate Resilience
Key Results
R
eseachers are examining the intricate balance between water and nutrient use efficiency to
enhance climate change resilience and sustain productivity in Morocco’s olive orchards. For
farmers to make informed decisions under water-saving irrigation schemes, they need evidencebased
adaptation strategies to ensure they are using the most appropriate combinations of
nutrients and water.
Research Objectives
• Identify the optimal compromise between fertilization and deficit irrigation of olive trees.
• Assess fertigation practices and determine the obstacles to technology adoption.
• Assess the trade-offs and conduct cost-benefit analyses for combinations of nutrient-water interaction.
• Confirming first year results, growers felt little impact on
productivity by reducing NPK fertilization to half of the tree’s
nutrient requirements under conditions of severe water deficit
[50% crop evapotranspiration (Etc)].
• Cost-benefit analysis found greater profitability for oil versus
fruit production in water-stressed orchards.
• If irrigation water was reduced by 50%, neither olive fruit nor
olive oil production was deemed profitable.
• Surveys in Meknes and Marrakech regions revealed a gap in
farmer knowledge on both water-saving irrigation methods
and nutrient management practices.
TIMEFRAME:
(2022-2024)
AFRICAN
PLANT NUTRITION
RESEARCH FUND
PARTNER:
Institut National
de la Recherche
Agronomique
(INRA Maroc)
65

Climate-smart Agriculture Practices in
Moroccan Olive Systems
TIMEFRAME:
(2024)
C
limate related challenges faced by Morocco’s smallholder olive farmers
include drought, soil erosion, and increasingly unpredictable rainfall,
which have collectively contributed to a particularly acute impact on olive fruit
and oil production in recent years. In this research, we are working with farmers
to determine how Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) solutions can enhance the
resilience of olive farmers in the Ouezzane province.
Key Research Objectives
• Assess adoption of climate-smart practices in olive cropping systems in northern
Morocco through baseline surveys.
• Identify barriers and drivers of adoption of adaptation practices at the farm level.
• Investigate the institutional factors that affect these practices, focusing on support
mechanisms and assessing farmers’ access to subsidies, training and insurance schemes.
• Identify pathways to implement carbon finance to support CSA in Ouezzane.
Key Results
• Surveys of 60 smallholder farmers in the rural communities of
Ain Baida, Asgen and Masmouda confirmed a lack of
available mechanisms to readily address climate change risks.
• Farmers reported a lack of access to crop insurance, credit,
and specific training or institutional support on climate change
adaptation or resiliency strategies.
• Indigenous on-farm knowledge currently provides some degree
of adaptation, but it is insufficient to address the full range of
risks.
• Implementation of climate-smart practices is also limited by older
tree ages, landscape position, and farmers’ resources.
66

Improving Opportunities For Women In Smallholder
Olive Value Chains In Morocco
Key Results
T
his research continues to shed light on the constraints faced by rural women in smallholder olive
value chains in Morocco through its investigation of how socioeconomic, cultural, and cognitive
dimensions affect women’s authority and participation in leadership, decision-making, and economic
opportunities. With an understanding of the constraints, solutions can be identified to help women
overcome their barriers to inclusion, and specific interventions can be designed to adequately
consider rural women’s needs and prioritize local supporting mechanisms.
Key Research Objectives
• Investigate factors affecting women’s empowerment and inclusion in the
olive value chain.
• Identify solutions, with consideration of women’s needs and priorities, to
address gender-based barriers.
• 2 focus groups were conducted in Essaouira as part of the study’s gender sensitive analysis to
identify the gender-based constraints along the olive value chain, investigate the underlying causes
and consequences for the value chain, and identify potential actions to address them.
• 2 focus groups were conducted in Azilal to elicit the local understanding of empowerment in rural areas
as part of the Women Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI).
TIMEFRAME:
(2022-2026)
PARTNERS:
Agricultural
Innovation and
Technology
Transfer
Center (AITTC),
Mohammed
VI Polytechnic
University
(UM6P)
67

THE NEXT
A
PNI’s activities for the next five years continue to be underpinned by our
institution’s three core competencies focused on the development of
site-specific agronomy recommendations, farmer-supportive research methods,
and environmental services from agricultural systems. In turn, our three strategic
R&D engagement domains (i.e., climate and weather-smart plant nutrition, soil
health for improved livelihoods, and precision nutrient management), remain highly
relevant spheres of influence in which all our activities are broadly defined.
Renewal of this institutional arrangement of expertise and thematic focus is relevant given
its alignment with national and continental goals for context-specific solutions to a set of
critical challenges preventing progress in Africa’s agri-food systems. Africa needs agri-food
farming systems that are both more intensive and diversified to achieve the desired goals of
better sustainability, productivity and inclusivity. Our food systems also need a greater resilience
in the face of changing climate conditions and weather variability.
Africa’s commitments to enhanced access and affordability of fertilizers, through the newly ratified
Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) 10-Year Action Plan, support the integration of actionable
agronomy frameworks, including sustainable intensification, integrated soil fertility management,
4R Nutrient Stewardship, regenerative agriculture, and agro-ecological intensification. This provides
a significant opportunity for APNI to lead and coordinate donor-supported investment to support the
implementation of the Action Plan and increase its continental reach and visibility.
Years
PRIORITIES TOWARDS 2030
68

osters
Field Fact
BOOKLETS
SHEETS
Webinars
Climate &
Weather-Smart
PUBLICATIONS CORE COMPETENCE Plant AREAS
Nutrition
Precision
Soil Health
Nutrient
for Improved
Management
Livelihoods
Farmer
Site-specific Environmental
+PUBLICATIONS
Supported
Services from
Site-specific
Precision Research Soil Health
Fact
Recommendations AgricultureNutrient
Methods for Improved
Agronomy
KSHEETS
Management
Livelihoods Recommendations
ey to our desired outcomes is the need to overcome a persistently slow rate
Site-specific Environmental
of adoption of improved productivity-production innovations. Hence our 2030
Agronomy Services from
focus to co-develop contextualized (on-farm) and scalable agronomy to address four
Recommendations Agriculture
key clusters of R&D project challenges Fieldthat are hindering rapid development in
BOOKLETS
African farming systems.
Agronomy
STRATEGIC R&D PROJECT CHALLENGE CLUSTERS
Webinars
Field
Webinars
+PUBLICATIONS
1. Enabling Multiple Benefit Plant Nutrition – spearheaded with Enabling
PROCEEDINGS
demonstration BOOKLETS
Multiple
and evidence-based communication of the critical role of
Climate Benefit & Plant
nutrients within an agronomic approach that maintains the Weather-Smart
productive Nutrition
capacity of agricultural landscapes while enhancing their resilience Plant Nutrition
Posters
to
climate change Conference
and degrading forces on soil, land and biodiversity.
Enabling
Innovating
PROCEEDINGS
Multiple Crop Nutrition
Benefit Plant in Cropping
Posters
2. Innovating Crop Nutrition in Cropping Systems – Nutrition established with Systems
credible concepts and relevant knowledge that enable effective use of
site-specific crop nutrition
+PUBLICATIONS
and soil health management.
Precision
Priority cropping
Soil Health
Nutrient
for Improved
systems include agroforestry, cereal-legume systems Management with and without Livelihoods
livestock, irrigated dryland systems, and farming systems that practice
conservation agriculture.
+PUBLICATIONS
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship concept remains
pivotal to diagnosing our diverse plant nutrition needs and to ensuring that
APNI can execute Fact meaningful research activities.
PLANT NUTRITION
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
PLANT NUTRITION
RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME
Fact
SHEETS
Conference
3. Co-creating Effective Agronomy Solutions – developed within replicable
processes that empower farmers and other end-users to co-create value
SHEETS from their use; and critically embedded into scaling partnerships that
realize the emerging opportunities in soil health and fertilizer research,
development, and outreach encouraged by the AFSH 2024 Soil Health
Conference Webinars
Enabling
Innovating Co-Creating
Action Plan.
PROCEEDINGS
MultipleConference
Crop Nutrition Effective
Benefit Plant
PROCEEDINGS
in Cropping Agronomy
4. Developing Capacity Webinars
Research and Nutrition Extension – enhanced Systems by the Solutions
dissemination and adoption of 4R-based nutrient management solutions
that engage a broad range of government,
Conference
fertilizer industry and R&D
PROCEEDINGS
stakeholders to implement initiatives supporting and strengthening the
capacity of the National Research and Extension Systems; and leveraged
by internal and external investments into APNI’s grant-based outreach and
capacity building program with national and regional partners.
CORE COMPETENCE AREAS
Farmer
Weather-Smart
ENGAGEMENT DOMAINS
Plant Nutrition
Capacity
R&D Development
Enabling CHALLENGE Innovating Co-Creating CLUSTERS
Benefit Extension Plant
Nutrition
Enabling
Multiple
Benefit Plant
Nutrition
CORE COMPETENCE AREAS
Capacity
Development
in Research Climate & &
Extension Weather-Smart
Plant Nutrition
Precision
Nutrient
Management
Systems
Innovating
Crop Nutrition
in Cropping
Systems
Soil Health
for Improved
Livelihoods
Co-Creating
Effective
Agronomy
Solutions
Farmer
Supported
Research
Methods
ENGAGEMENT DOMAINS Innovating Co-Creating Capacity
R&D CHALLENGE Crop Nutrition CLUSTERS ENGAGEMENT Effective Development DOMAINS
Co-Creating
Effective
Agronomy
Solutions
R&D CHALLENGE CLUSTERS
R&D CHALLENGE CLUSTERS
in Multiple Research &
Crop Nutrition
in Cropping
Environmental
Services from
Agriculture
R&D CHALLENGE CLUSTERS
in Cropping
Systems
Agronomy in Research &
SolutionsClimate & Extension
Precision
Nutrient
Management
Soil Health
for Improved
Livelihoods
Effective
Agronomy
Solutions
Supported
Research
Methods
Capacity
Development
in Research &
Extension
Capacity
Development
in Research &
Extension
69

PARTNERING
with APNI
APNI seeks partnerships with national
continental and global research for development
stakeholders including national, regional
and international universities, research
organizations and donors, the private sector,
public research and extension systems, policymaking
bodies, agricultural and environmental
non-governmental organizations, local farmer
organizations and agribusinesses, and national
and international research partners.
Strategic partnerships help us to develop and
deliver our long-term goals for sustainable
agricultural development and evidencebased
policy. Functional partnerships
support targeted project-based collaboration,
knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
Commodity partnerships improve the prospects
for agricultural product value chains and the
sustainability of their landscapes. Through these
relationships, APNI co-develops and delivers
effective solutions to our four key R&D project
challenge clusters.
l 1 How do we enable the multiple benefits of
plant nutrition?
l 2 How can we engage innovation in plant
nutrition within our cropping systems?
l 3 How can we work to co-create effective
agronomic solutions?
l 4 What is needed to build capacity in plant
nutrition research and extension?
Strategic Partners
• Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
• OCP Group
• Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)
• International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)
• International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
• Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research (CGIAR)
• International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry
Areas (ICARDA)
• International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid
Tropics (ICRISAT)
• International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
(CIMMYT)
• African Network of Agricultural Policy Institutes
(ANAPRI)
Functional Partners
l OCP Africa
l Ecotrust
l Agricultural Innovation and Technology Transfer
Center (AITTC-UM6P)
l Fédération des Maïsiculteurs de Côte d’Ivoire
(FEMACI)
l Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique
(INRA)
l Institut National des Grandes Cultures (INGC)
l L’Agence Nationale d’Appui au Développement Rural
(ANADER)
l Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI)
l Sokoine University of Agriculture
l Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)
l CSIR-Soil Research Institute
l Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG)
l Olive Institute (IO)
l Grameen Foundation
l National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO)
Uganda
l Makerere University
l Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
l Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources of the
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and
Technology (FRNR-KNUST)
l University of Nairobi
l University of Tunis El Manar
l University of Ghana
l Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P)
l Cranfield University
l Oklahoma State University (OSU)
l University of Embu
l University of Maryland Center for Environmental
Science
l National Polytechnic Institute Félix Houphouët-Boigny
(INP-HB)
l University of Cape Coast
l Stats for Sustainable Development (STATS4SD)
l International Fertilizer Association (IFA)
l International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA)
l African Association for Precision Agriculture (AAPA)
l Agmatix
Commodity Partners
l OCP Foundation
l Cristal Leusieur
l GrainPulse
l AngloAmerican (UK)
l Ghana Cocoa Board
l Touton
l Interprolive
70
l OCP Africa
l Producers Direct
l Ankole Coffee Producers Co-operative Union
(ACPCU)
l Al Moutmir
l Kenyan Agricultural & Livestock Research
Organization (KALRO)

71

72
NATIONAL
PARTNERSHIPS

TRANSCONTINENTAL
PARTNERSHIPS
73