2023 African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship Award Recipients Announced
Awards of USD $5,000 have been conferred to two African scientists working within innovative soil fertility outreach programs for Africa. This award is part of an on-going initiative co-sponsored by the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), and OCP Group.
Below is a brief summary about this year’s African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship Award recipients.
GHANA
Prof. Vincent Logah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
AREA OF STUDY: Boosting Productivity and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Smallholder Cropping Systems in Ghana through 4R Nutrient Stewardship
Most of the smallholder farmers in Ghana have yet to benefit from recent research findings and new initiatives by agricultural scientists in Ghana. In most instances, farmers do not use the right type of fertilizers, which are also either under- or over applied using unsuitable methods. This work plans targeted educational and outreach activities to train farmers on the 4Rs of nutrient stewardship and to introduce them to the outcome of new research initiatives in nutrient management in Ghana. It also involves collaboration between key stakeholders to translate research into practice.
The main objective is to increase nutrient use efficiency and productivity of smallholder farms in the breadbasket regions of Ghana through tailor-made outreach and hands-on training programs. Specifically, the proposal seeks to develop customized training modules and manuals for farmers on good nutrient stewardship and new research findings, deliver hands-on training for the targeted farmers using the modules and manuals developed. The work will contribute to increased productivity of agro ecosystems in Ghana. This will also ensure nutrient use efficiency and environmental sustainability, partly serving as a pilot activity for implementation of recent fertilizer research in Ghana. More so, the capacity of key stakeholders in the agricultural value chain will be built to facilitate replication and dissemination of the strategies and technologies taught.
TANZANIA
Ms. Rose Moses Massawe, Regional Agricultural Extension Advisory, Arusha Region Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania.
AREA OF STUDY: ACCELERATE-CSA: Accelerating uptake of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Interventions in Longido Climate-Smart Villages, Tanzania
Longido District is in the north-eastern corner of Tanzania in Arusha Region, on the leeward sides of Meru and Kilimanjaro mountains. In Tanzania drought has significantly worsened food insecurity, livestock and crop losses, and outbreaks of insect pests and diseases. Drought is more common in different regions of Tanzania including Arusha Region. Londigo is among the most drought-stricken districts of Arusha region, where poverty is also estimated to be high.
As a response to the climate related risks in Longido, this project seeks to accelerate the uptake of the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) activities for strengthening local adaptation and building resilience, and training farmers on improved agronomic practices. Specific objectives include the establishment of demonstration trials for promotion of CSA and improved agronomic practices for maize, beans and Irish potatoes (i.e., early planting, crop rotation, and intercropping). Field days will be organized to further promote the new strategies to farmers and extension officers and disseminate educational material planned for development. The project intends to use the established or existing village savings and credit organizations (SACCOS) as a vehicle for accelerating the uptake of CSA activities for strengthening local adaptation and building resilience.
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For more information on the African Plant Nutrition Outreach Fellowship or our other Award programs see APNI.net/awards
