LUANAR Introduces Innovative Fertilizer Optimization Tool to Transform Smallholder Farming in Malawi
This innovation promises to revolutionise soil health and fertiliser application for smallholder farmers in Malawi.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) has unveiled a groundbreaking fertiliser optimisation tool resulting from a five-year research project, writes Davie Mchinga.
This innovation promises to revolutionise soil health and fertiliser application for smallholder farmers in Malawi.
During a workshop at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe, Professor Patson Nalivata, the lead scientist behind the project, highlighted the tool's potential to make agricultural businesses profitable for smallholder farmers by providing precise nutrient recommendations for their soil.
The comprehensive study, known as "Optimizing Fertilizer Recommendations in Africa (OFRA)," took place from 2013 to 2017 and involved over 13 African countries.
It focused on developing response curves for different fertilizers and understanding their influence on crop production.
The study's objective was to empower farmers to make informed decisions about the precise amounts of fertilizer needed for specific crops to maximize yields and profits per unit of land.
Professor Nalivata expressed optimism about the positive results observed in Malawi and outlined LUANAR's plans to share these research findings with extension personnel through the Ministry of Agriculture.
This initiative aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of the new technology.
"We are reaching out to all extension services and going to train Master Trainers who will, in turn, educate extension service personnel. Our goal is to disseminate this research tool across the country so that smallholder farmers in rural areas can access and effectively use it," said Professor Nalivata.
Dr. Geoffrey Kananji, Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation at the Centre for Agriculture Transformation (CAT), emphasized the significance of the technology in addressing soil fertility issues and assisting farmers in making informed choices.
He suggested integrating organic fertilizers into the project to provide a solution for rural farmers who often have limited access to inorganic fertilizers due to price fluctuations.
Dr. Kananji highlighted the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote organic fertilizers to counter the environmental impact of inorganic fertilizers. He recommended further exploration of this aspect.
The fertilizer optimization tool represents a significant step forward in enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of Malawi's smallholder farmers.
It aims to contribute to the improved efficiency and profitability of fertilizer use within the context of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices.
The OFRA project extended beyond Malawi, encompassing several other sub-Saharan African countries, including Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It was conducted in partnership with the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, United States of America (USA).