Fertilizer

Improving the Effectiveness, Efficiency and Sustainability of Fertilizer Use in Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors
Saa Dittoh, Olubunmi Abayomi Omotosho, Adama Belemvire, Margaret Akurib, Khondoker Tanveer Haider
Publisher
Global Development Network
Publication date
Location
http://digital.agripolicyoutreach.org/54544/IMPROVING-THE-EFFECTVENESS-EFFICIENCY-AND-SUSTAINABILTY-OF-FERTILIZER-USE-IN-SUB-SAHARAN-AFRICA/Research-Paper
Source / Citation
Dittoh, S., O. A. Omotosho, A. Belemvire, M. Akurib, and K. T. Haider, "Improving the Effectiveness, Efficiency and Sustainability of Fertilizer Use in Sub-Saharan Africa", GDN Policy Research Paper 3, June 2012.
Fertilizer had been part of the technological trinity (improved seed, irrigation, and fertilizer) responsible for bringing about the Green Revolution of Latin America and Asia. Its adequate and efficient use should, therefore, be a main ingredient in achieving food security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). At present, average fertilizer use intensity in SSA is the lowest compared to anywhere in the world and the region needs to take affirmative action to improve the situation.

Does water harvesting induce fertilizer use among smallholders? Evidence from Ethiopia

Authors
Mekonnen B. Wakeyo and Cornelis Gardebroek
Publisher
Agricultural Systems
Publication date
Location
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308521X1200128X
Source / Citation
Mekonnen B. Wakeyo, Cornelis Gardebroek "Does water harvesting induce fertilizer use among smallholders? Evidence from Ethiopia" Agricultural Systems, Volume 114, January 2013, Pages 54-63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2012.08.005
Country

Rainfall shortage is a major production risk for smallholder farmers. Due to rainfall shortage, smallholders limit the use of modern inputs such as fertilizer and improved seeds. This study investigates if water harvesting technologies (WHTs) induce fertilizer use and whether there is joint adoption of fertilizer and water harvesting technologies. Using panel data collected from Ethiopian farmers in two regions in 2005 and 2010, a random effects probit model and a bivariate probit model are estimated to investigate these two issues.