USAID, OCP Partner to Boost African Agricultural Productivity
The project will develop a "Phosphate Rock Decisions Support System" to help identify soils and crops that can benefit most from this approach.
BENGUERIR, Morocco — In a major initiative to enhance food security across Africa, the U.S. Agency for International Development and Morocco's OCP Group have forged a partnership to revolutionize agricultural practices on the continent, writes Winston Mwale.
The landmark agreement, signed on May 23, 2024 during a visit by USAID Administrator Samantha Power to University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, outlines two innovative projects designed to overcome critical barriers hindering Africa's agricultural potential.
The first, dubbed the Space to Place Project, aims to gather precise local data on soil conditions and climate patterns.
This information will fuel a "Decision Support Tool" to guide farmers on optimizing fertilizer usage tailored to the specific nutrient needs of their land and crops, simultaneously boosting yields and promoting sustainable soil management.
The second initiative, the Rock Phosphate Amendment Project, will evaluate the impact of applying phosphate rock and innovative nutrient formulations on crop productivity and soil fertility.
The project will develop a "Phosphate Rock Decisions Support System" to help identify soils and crops that can benefit most from this approach.
The agreement spans at least four years and involves plans to engage additional stakeholders to facilitate widespread adoption of these cutting-edge tools by farmers across Africa.
During her visit, Power observed ongoing research at the university and met with local cooperative representatives to gain insights into their experiences and the transformative potential of the projects.
"OCP Group is an important partner as we grapple with a very significant global food crisis," Power said.
"The agreement will use geospatial technology to provide farmers on the ground with recommendations on how to more efficiently use fertilizers. It harnesses data to provide real world predictions and solutions to improve yields."
Mostafa Terrab, OCP Group's chairman and CEO, expressed delight in deepening the partnership with USAID, noting the projects aim to "unleash the potential of African farmers to feed not only Africa but the world, in ways that aim to enhance soil health, the environment and the climate."
The collaboration unites USAID's Space to Place initiative with OCP Africa's integrated Soil Health and Customization approach. OCP Group will invest $30 million to support efficient fertilizer use across sub-Saharan Africa, complementing USAID's $40 million investment announced earlier this month at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.
The total $100 million investment directly supports the continental Action Plan adopted at the Nairobi summit, establishing a framework for extended dialogue and cooperation between the two major contributors to African agricultural development.