LOOKING FORWARD
It is commonly known that the global population is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050 . Coupled with increased incomes and changing diets , demand for food is projected to increase by 60 to 70 percent or more . As such , IFDC is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ), specifically SDG 2 : End hunger , achieve food security and improved nutrition , and promote sustainable agriculture . Food , in the end , is a human right .
The use of mineral fertilizers to achieve SDG 2 cannot be understated : 50 percent of the food the world currently produces is a direct result of fertilizer application . 8 But smallholder farmers , who are responsible for growing 80 percent of food consumed in developing nations , often lack access to appropriate fertilizers . 9 Our work focuses on tying the research for new products and processes with the practical means of affordably delivering those products to farmers who are trained to use them effectively and economically . The result is intended to allow smallholders to increase production , reduce food and nutrition insecurity , and protect the environment .
IFDC is well aware that the opportunities and challenges associated with fertilizers are varied , complex , and based upon local conditions . But fertilizer science , knowledge of market systems , and human capacity can be developed and disseminated to address the various needs that exist locally and regionally . For example , across sub-Saharan Africa , where soils are largely deficient in key nutrients for plant growth , fertilizer use is only 10 percent of recommended rates . Given the low levels of soil fertility , frequent cropping only further depletes the soil of nutrients necessary for optimum crop growth . Efforts in the region focus on responsibly increasing the use of mineral fertilizers in combination with other conservation agriculture techniques that will raise soil fertility and improve yields . Conversely , in Asia , overuse of fertilizers has led to both air and water pollution , and contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions , exacerbating climate change conditions . Judicious use of appropriate fertilizers – such as micronutrient blends and application of technologies such as FDP – can boost food production and farm incomes while reducing atmospheric emissions and water contamination .
Through IFDC ’ s continued efforts in research for innovative fertilizers and by working with smallholder farmers and others in agribusiness , we can promote appropriate use of the right fertilizers that will both improve productivity and decrease negative environmental impacts . Ultimately , our work is intended to establish global food and nutrition security and improve the lives of millions throughout the world .
CALL FOR DONORS
An expert in agricultural development and in the science of improving farm productivity , IFDC provides research and project implementation for many types of partners in both the public and private sectors , often linking the two . The organization seeks creative partnerships with public sector donors , foundations , corporate sponsors , and allied implementing and research organizations to actively expand our activities in Asia , sub-Saharan Africa , and Latin America . With support from our donors and other partners , IFDC will continue to contribute to a food- and nutrition-secure world while protecting our ecosystems .
REFERENCES
1
See reports on https :// ifdc . org / research-papers-and-studies / and https :// ifdc . org / country-fertilizer-market-assessments /.
2
IFDC Annual Report 2015 , http :// bit . ly / 2bQbvo8 .
3
Bindraban , P . S ., C . Dimkpa , L . Nagarajan , A . Roy , and R . Rabbinge . 2015 . “ Revisiting Fertilisers and Fertilisation Strategies for Improved Nutrient Uptake by Plants ,” Biol . Fertil . Soils 51 ( 8 ): 897 – 911 , http :// link . springer . com / article / 10.1007 / s00374-015-1039-7 .
4
Dimkpa , C ., and P . S . Bindraban . 2016 . “ Micronutrients Fortification for Efficient Agronomic Production .” Agronomy for Sustainable Development ( 2016 ) 36:1-26 .
5
See reports and papers on http :// www . vfrc . org / research / vfrc _ reports .
6
IFDC . 2011 . Strategic Alliance for Agricultural Development in Africa ( SAADA ) End of Project Report .
7
Gaihre , Y . K ., U . Singh , S . M . Mofijul Islam , A . Huda , M . R . Islam , M . A . Satter , J . Sanabria , Md . R . Islam , A . L . Shah . 2015 . “ Impacts of Urea Deep Placement on Nitrous Oxide and Nitric Oxide Emissions from Rice Fields in Bangladesh .” Geoderma . Vol . 259 – 260:370-379 .
8
Stewart , W . M ., D . W . Dibb , A . E . Johnston , and T . J . Smyth . 2005 . “ The Contribution of Commercial Fertilizer Nutrients to Food Production .” Agron . J . 97:1-6 .
9
International Fund for Agricultural Development . 2013 . “ Smallholders , Food Security , and the Environment .”
CONTACT
IFDC Headquarters P . O . Box 2040 Muscle Shoals , Alabama 35662 U . S . A . Telephone : + 1 ( 256 ) 381-6600