OCP Africa Backs Ethiopia's Climate-Resilient Wheat Project
OCP Africa, a subsidiary of OCP Group based in Morocco, develops plant and soil nutrition solutions across more than 35 African countries.
SEMERA, Afar Regional State, Ethiopia-- OCP Africa is supporting Ethiopia's Climate Resilient Wheat Value Chain Development Project, a major initiative aimed at improving soil health and boosting wheat productivity in the country, writes Winston Mwale.
The project was launched May 20 in the presence of Ethiopian Agriculture Minister Girma Amente and partners including the African Development Bank, the Netherlands and the Global Center on Adaptation.
"OCP Africa's support for this project will address the unique soil challenges in Ethiopia, such as salinity and acidity," said Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, CEO of OCP Africa.
"By conducting comprehensive assessments of the local soil, climate and cropping systems, we will develop customized solutions to improve soil health and fertility."
The science-based approach, combined with farmer training, is designed to help close the yield gap in Ethiopia's wheat production, Jamali said.
The project aims to map 1 million hectares (2.5 million acres) of soils, reach over 1 million farmers and establish four Farmer Hubs nationwide.
Since 2019, OCP Africa has worked with Ethiopia's Agriculture Ministry to develop and test customized fertilizer formulas, with large-scale demonstrations confirming "substantial yield increases" on acid soils, the company said.
OCP Africa, a subsidiary of OCP Group based in Morocco, develops plant and soil nutrition solutions across more than 35 African countries.