February 04, 2022

Fertiplus: an innovative solution for the preservation of soil health

Staple Crops

Burkina Faso

As a substrate for agriculture, soils are experiencing unprecedented deterioration due to excessive exploitation and inappropriate management practices, affecting human and animal livelihoods. This deterioration, reflected over time by the loss of soil fertility, corresponds to a decline in their levels of organic matter and their availability of nutrients. Furthermore, in Burkina Faso, agricultural production is struggling to meet the food needs of a rapidly growing population in a sustainable manner and the vulnerability of small-scale farmers remains high.

The 2SCALE program, in its drive to accelerate the development of inclusive businesses in African agri-food systems, is providing a number of innovative and sustainable solutions within its partnerships. The introduction of Fertiplus organic fertilizer in the groundnut, corn, soybean, and cassava partnerships in Burkina Faso is a good example.

Caring for the soil to improve agricultural productivity

Soil fertility is a major constraint for small-scale farmers, who are witnessing a continuous decline in the level of their yields, their income and the quality of their products. Indeed, poor agricultural practices combined with the effects of climate change and drought have accelerated this loss of soil fertility in our main production areas. However, healthy soils remain essential for healthy food production. Through the introduction of Fertiplus organic fertilizer, 2SCALE provides a green and innovative response to sustainable soil conservation and management.

Facilitating the adoption of innovations on a large scale

The introduction of Fertiplus organic fertilizer into the various partnerships was done through the establishment of demonstration plots. These plots meet the need to actively involve farmers in the experimentation work so that they can see the practical benefits of using Fertiplus. In total, 62 plots were voluntarily made available by the farmers to conduct the tests within the various partnerships. The areas covered varied between 250 and 500m2 in several localities in Burkina Faso. Aly Coulibaly, the vegetable and soybean Partnership Facilitator, explained:

The demonstration plots are practical training frameworks, replacing theoretical training and having the objective of organizing guided visits. Through these plots, the aim is to help producers learn and understand good practices related to the technical itineraries of a given innovation or crop. To this end, guided tours are an effective way to reach the maximum number of producers about the existence and advantages of the technology.

The buzz around the first results

The farmers who piloted the first demonstration fields unanimously expressed their satisfaction with the yields achieved after the application of Fertiplus organic fertilizer. When comparing the results of the Fertiplus-treated plots to those of the former practices, some farmers have seen their yields increase from 1.5 tons to 3 tons per hectare. They have not hesitated to place orders with the promoting company SESAMAF (Société Sana Mady & Frères) for the next season. Mrs. SAWADOGO Korotimi, a rice producer, testified:

Through the 2SCALE program, we have gained practical knowledge of Fertiplus organic fertilizer and have seen for ourselves its benefits on the quality of our crops. We are committed to applying it to our fields in the next crop year.

The guided tours created a great deal of interest among the other producers, who also expressed their desire to treat their plots with Fertiplus. This desire was also reflected in the intention to order Fertiplus fertilizer from SESAMAF.

A job opportunity for young people

In addition to improving eco-efficient agricultural practices, the promotion of innovations within the 2SCALE partnerships also promotes job creation for youth. More than a solution for sustainable and resilient production, Fertiplus represents an employment opportunity for youth. According to Mr. Ouédraogo, promoter of the organic fertilizer Fertiplus, the adoption of the fertilizer could help create jobs for young people, especially in the distribution and advisory sectors.

2SCALE continues to seek and introduce innovative and tailored solutions within its partnerships to address the adverse effects of climate change on producers, and to improve the productivity and livelihoods of small-scale agricultural farmers.

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