NEWSLETTER #55 - SOCIETY OF AFRICAN EARTH SCIENTISTS

 

Volume 14, Issue 2, April - June 2025

CONTENT

Chair's Foreword

The Feasibility of  Organic Fertilizer Cooperatives in Africa

Earth Science Events

References and selected reading

Chair's Foreword*

In the current issue we address the urgent issue of organic soil fertilization in Africa and its feasibility of  widespread adoption via a cooperatives farming model.

   It has long been acknowledged that most soils in Africa are substantially degraded and in need of restoration to enhance sustainable food production [1]. One of the factors that has been contributing to this is the overuse of chemical fertilizers. Other factors include the mode of industrial agriculture that has been encouraged and implemented in the colonial and neo-colonial era, which has served to deplete the soil of nutrients. Industrial farming often included a practice of monoculture with one crop being planted on a plot; as opposed to traditional farming with mixed cropping. When the crop is harvested in monocropping, there are no plants left to provide protection for the soil from rain and sun by their canopies. The result is the erosion of soil material and leaching out of nutrients making the soil infertile. Traditional farming allowed fallow periods for the soil to recover after several seasons of cultivation; and cultivation of crops would be moved to another land plot that had been left uncultivated. This rotation of plots and shifting of cultivation was not practiced in industrial modes of agricultural, leading to the exhaustion of Africas soils. 

   To redress this situation, the current issue explores the feasibility of introducing organic fertilizers  in the form of a model of cooperative production of organic fertilizer. The report on such a model will look at all elements of the organic compost fertilizers value chain from resource inputs to distribution and marketing. This is an ongoing discussion.

The Feasibility of Organic Fertilizer Cooperatives in Africa

Organic fertilizer cooperatives in Africa have the potential to be highly effective in improving food yields and hence African food security. Organic farming offers opportunities for improving soil fertility, waste management and improving farming income and livelihoods. However, successful implementation requires addressing challenges related to resource availability and very strict quality control, and market access. 

   The factors which make organic fertilizer feasible include firstly, an abundance of organic waste to be found on the farm (such as plant residues and animal manure) that can be converted to organic fertilizers.

    Secondly, there appears to be a rising demand for organic fertilizers. The of the cost of chemical fertilizers in Africa in places like Uganda is one of the factors  increasing interest in organic fertilizer. Other factors include the experience of farmers noticing a positive impact on soil health leading to increased crop yields.

   Thirdly, cooperative models can empower farmers by providing access to inputs, processing facilities and markets for their organic fertlizer product. Some governments in Africa are actively supporting organic agriculture. By establishing Cooperatives we csn encourage governments that are not yet encouraging organic agriculture to embrace the economic and environmental benefits of practising organic farming.

   We must address the inevitable challenges that will be faced along the way.  These will include the simple restraint that smallholder farmers might find it difficult to access sufficient amounts of organic material and necessary technology for processing. Of course, it is also vital to ensure quality control and consistency in the quality of the fertilizer produced. This would necessitate manufacture by a fixed and documented process so that the quality and effectiveness of the fertilizer product is consistent and easily reproduced. Having this consistency of product will ensure the product is adopted by local farmers.

   An important challenge to be addressed in order to sustain the cooperatives is ensuring  there remains a market. A market outlet is essential for sustainability of the fertilizer production. Farmers who hoin the cooperative are encouraged to stay if it provides a platform to sell their produce.

   The final and not unexpected challenge may arise in the form of  competition from chemical fertilizers. However, their recent upsurge in cost has made organic fertilizers more attractive. Furthermore, once adopted farmers are exposed to the benefits of organic fertilizer, including improved soil health leading to greater food production, lower costs of production requiring less and more appropriate technology and also potentially increased incomes. In the long run these factors make organic fertilizers a more sustainable way to treat our soils.

   In conclusion then, as a potential solution to food security problems, organic fertilizer products require the scoping of the entire value chain for organic fertilizer manufacture. From the sourcing of the raw plant materials to compost into fertilizer through to the distribution and selling of the final product, each stage of the value chain must be scoped.

   Overall, the idea of organic fertilizer cooperatives in Africa is very feasible. However, success depends on addressing the most arduous challenges, including the management of input resources and the development of a sustainable organic fertilizer market.

   

Earth Science Events

18–21 August 2025

VISION: We are excited to announce the TC/ESG25 Conference, a collaboration between the Transformations Community, the Earth System Governance Project (ESG), and Wits University. 

VENUE: Johann & Krugee National Park, South Africa

1 September 2025

International Conference on Environmental Science & Engineering

VENUE: Kisumu, Kenya

5 September 2025

International Conference on EEnvironmental Meteorology & Climatology

VENUE: Bamako, Mali

References and Selected Reading

[1] Martey, E., Welfare effect of organic fertiliser use in Ghana, Heliyon, Volume 4, Issue 19, October 2018, e00845.

[2] Feasibility Study of the Credit Guarantee for Fertiliser Financing in Africa, African Development Bank, Department of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, African Fertiliser Financing Mechanism.

[3] Culas, R., Anwar, M.R. and Maraseni, T.N., A framework for evaluating benefits of organic fertiliser use in agriculture, Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, Volume 19, March 2025, 101576.

[4]  Raimi, A., Roopnarain, A., Adeleke, R. , Biofertiliser production in Africa: Current status, factors impeding adoption and strategies for success, Scientific African, Volume 11, March 2021, e00694.

*Board of the Society of African Earth Scientists: Dr Enas Ahmed (Egypt), Osmin Callis (Secretary - Guyana/Nigeria), Mathada Humphrey (South Africa), Damola Nadi (Nigeria), Dr Chukwunyere Kamalu (Chair - Nigeria).