PROJECT UPDATE
EVENT: Post-Harvest Dialogue Workshop
LOCATION: Hotel Olympe, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire
DATE: 13 June 2024
The NUTCAT (Nutrient-Catalyzed Agricultural Transformation) project held a Post-Harvest Dialogue Workshop aimed at engaging Tchologo, Poro, and Korhogo Cote d’Ivoire maize farmers and stakeholders in discussions about precision nutrient management. This workshop was part of a broader initiative to review the 2023 farming season, share successful practices, and address challenges for upcoming maize seasons in 2024.
The event saw the participation of various stakeholders, including APNI scientists, CNRA researchers, ANADER staff, and representatives from FEPMACI. Notable attendees included Dr. Thérèse Agneroh from APNI, Dr. N’DA Hugues Annick from CNRA, and several ANADER staff members such as Niamien Kouakou Celestin and APPIA Kakou.
Dr. Agneroh highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the goals of the NUTCAT project. She emphasized the project’s farmer-centric approach, which aims to accelerate the adoption of good agronomic practices and improve value chains.
During the presentations, several challenges encountered in the past year were discussed. These included the late arrival of seeds and fertilizers for the Optimized Treatment plots, dry spells in July and August, weed issues, improper planting densities, and financial constraints among some farmers. The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of these issues and how they impacted the farming season. A brief statement of the NUTCAT project in Côte d’Ivoire on the basis of some agronomic data and yield data for the last two years was also presented :
To gain deeper insights, three focus group discussions were organized. These discussions aimed to assess the level of adoption of the innovations introduced by the NUTCAT project, identify constraints encountered in each region, and understand the farmers’ commitment to implementing new practices in 2024. The focus groups allowed for an in-depth exploration of individual farmers’ experiences and their plans for the future.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants emphasized the importance of several key actions to improve maize productivity. They stressed the need for timely ploughing and planting of both Optimized Treatment and Farmer Practice fields when continuous rains begin. Early provision of seeds, herbicides, and fertilizers was also highlighted as crucial, along with ensuring their timely transport to trial sites. Moreover, adhering strictly to scheduled dates for various farming operations and input application rates was deemed essential.
Participants also discussed the importance of safety requirements for farmers when handling chemicals and the need to improve the quality of field management by seeking guidance from experts. Addressing the presence of children in trial fields to ensure safety and efficiency was noted, as well as encouraging farmers to save funds to purchase suitable inputs for Farmer Practice plots. Allocating more resources to enhance performance, especially considering increased fuel prices, was seen as necessary. Finally, a strong commitment to adopting innovations and improved practices in 2024 was expressed by the farmers.
The workshop facilitated valuable exchanges among participants, reinforcing their collective commitment to enhancing maize productivity through optimized nutrient management practices. It underscored the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in achieving sustainable agricultural development in Côte d’Ivoire.
