OCP Africa and IITA sign agreement at the opening of the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa and the Sahel
Published by Emily Thomas,
Deputy Editor
World Fertilizer,
OCP Africa and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a pivotal agreement at the launch of the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa and the Sahel. The ceremony at IITA's headquarters marks the beginning of a collaboration to enhance soil health and agricultural productivity across the region. This partnership embodies a shared commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to foster resilient agricultural systems that benefit farmers and the broader community.
Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, CEO of OCP Africa, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "In line with ECOWAS’ roadmap and the Nairobi Declaration from the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit 2024, this initiative underscores our commitment to improving soil health and agricultural productivity, with a main focus in West Africa and the Sahel countries. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we aim to facilitate a just and sustainable agricultural transition in the region."
The partnership highlights OCP Africa's and IITA's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, the two organisations aim to create long-lasting solutions that address the critical issue of soil fertility in West Africa and the Sahel.
OCP Africa supports this initiative through critical projects, including creating digital soil health maps, developing precise fertilization models based on Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) and 4R+ principles, and providing farmer-centric services.
This agreement commits both organisations to a series of impactful initiatives and is made possible through a consortium that includes the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), and the University of Mohammed 6 Polytechnic (UM6P), working with IITA and OCP Africa.
The collaboration marks a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in West Africa and the Sahel. The agreement formalises the commitment of both organisations to contribute to the objectives outlined in the Lomé Declaration on Fertilizers and Soil Health under the auspices of ECOWAS and supported by the World Bank's Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Action Plan.
Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director General of IITA, and Regional Director for Africa, CGIAR, praised the collaborative effort's vital role in addressing soil fertility challenges and enhancing food security. Dr. Ehui added, "The establishment of the Regional Hub is a critical step towards addressing the challenges of soil fertility and health in West Africa. We are excited to work with OCP Africa to implement innovative solutions to benefit farmers and contribute to regional food security."
Read the article online at: https://www.worldfertilizer.com/project-news/05072024/ocp-africa-and-iita-sign-agreement-at-the-opening-of-the-regional-hub-for-fertilizer-and-soil-health-in-west-africa-and-the-sahel/
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