African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP)

African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) maize demonstration gardens in Namufuma and Nakalama villages in Iganga district, Uganda. Seed variety: Seedco 73 SC Tembo Planted with YaraMila power Used YaraVita crop boost Applied YaraVera Amidas for top dressing These are among the many demonstration gardens established during this season. African Development Bank Group Yara International #demonstrationgardens #maize #AFAP #AFAPUGANDA

Professor Munir Rusan from the Jordan University of Science and Technology, an expert in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, is conducting training for a diverse team of AFAP field extension officers, as well as officers from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Land Resources, during the Soil Health Expo and Training organized by AFAP at Chitedze Research Station in Lilongwe, Malawi. The event is held under the theme, "Soil Health Support Systems for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Resilience." Prof. Munir Rusan emphasized the critical need for balanced nutrient management to enhance agricultural productivity in Africa. Drawing on Liebig's Law of the Minimum, which states that plant growth is limited by the scarcest nutrient, participants discussed how imbalances in key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can hinder crop yields, regardless of the abundance of other nutrients. In the African context, improving soil health through targeted fertilization and sustainable farming practices is essential to strengthen food security and build resilience against climate variability.

Joel Kakaire, the Country Manager of #AFAPUganda provided insights during the inception meeting with potential movers in the agricultural sector regarding the $2 million credit guarantee project aimed at delivering 60,000 metric tons of fertilizer to benefit 400,000 farmers in Uganda as implemented by #AFAP. Some of the key activities highlighted during the presentation include: 1. Demand Creation: AFAP is actively engaged in creating demand for fertilizers by setting up demonstration gardens and organizing farmer field days. These initiatives serve to showcase the benefits of using fertilizers to increase agricultural productivity. 2. Soil Testing Initiative: In collaboration with Makerere University, AFAP Uganda is involved in the collection of soil samples from fields for testing. This soil analysis will provide valuable insights to farmers about their soil types, enabling them to make informed decisions on the appropriate fertilizer types, application methods, and quantities for optimal crop growth. 3. Engagement with District Local Governments: AFAP has signed 19 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with district local governments across Uganda. These partnerships are crucial for effective coordination and implementation of the fertilizer distribution project at the grassroots level. 4. Agrodealer Due Diligence: AFAP is conducting due diligence assessments of agrodealers to ensure that they meet specific quality standards as a criteria for their eligibility to access fertilizers on credit through the project, thereby enabling them to support farmers in obtaining the necessary inputs for their agricultural activities. By implementing these activities, AFAP aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve soil fertility, and support the livelihoods of small holder farmers in Uganda. The meeting organised by AFAP draw participants from the agricultural sector who included fertilizer players, representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Fisheries and Agrodealers who are potential movers as it happened today Eureka Place Hotel in Uganda. African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) Grainpulse Limited ETG African Development Bank Group AGRA Yara International

In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Land Resources, and the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), AFAP Malawi is hosting a Soil Health Expo and Training at Chitedze Research Station in Lilongwe. The event is held under the theme “Soil Health Support Systems for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Resilience,” bringing together key stakeholders to promote sustainable soil management practices. Various leading companies in the seed and fertilizer industry, committed to improving soil health, are showcasing their products. Some of the companies participating in the exhibition include: Farm Services Unit (FSU), Schools and Colleges Permaculture Programme, Farmers Organization, Mgom'mera Seed Company, Fortune Gardens Investments, Nthawi Farms biochar innovation hub, WASTE Advisors, etc.

During the ongoing inception meeting with fertilizer players, representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Fisheries - MAAIF and Agrodealers (potential movers) as organised by African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) under the #TradeCreditGuaranteeproject at Eureka Place Hotel in Uganda, Mr. Mwanja John the Assistant Commissioner Agrochemicals while making opening remarks highlighted challenges affecting the uptake of fertilisers in Uganda some of which include: lack of procurement of fertilizers in large quantities, limited knowledge on fertilizers, poor quality of fertilizers on the market, limited enforcement of regulations, lack of credit which affects the purchase of fertilizers in large quantities hence limiting timely consumption of fertilizers. He further expressed gratitude towards #AFAP for the three year project that will put up a credit enabling facility for stockists as it will go a long way in addressing these challenges. "It's through continued collaborative projects like these between stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Fisheries, Agrodealers that obstacles can be delt with hence fostering sustainable development in Uganda's agricultural sector". He added. #agrodealers #suppliers #AFDB #ETG #GrainPulse #yara AGRA African Development Bank Group Makerere University Yara International Grainpulse Limited ETG

Job Posting: Community Agribusiness Advisors (CAA) AFAP is hiring Community Agribusiness Advisors (CAA) for a 6-month fixed-term contract in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The role involves supporting agro-dealers and agri-SMEs to enhance access to agricultural inputs and technologies for smallholder farmers. Key responsibilities include guiding agro-dealers in providing inputs and agronomic services, building their capacity, facilitating the establishment of demo plots, coordinating field days, and improving access to integrated services. Candidates should hold a tertiary qualification in agriculture or agribusiness, with experience in extension services and knowledge of maize agronomy. Fluency in English and local languages is required. To apply, please send your CV, cover letter, relevant certificates, and salary expectations to kmanaka@afap-partnership.org by 1 November 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Join AFAP in strengthening agricultural markets and supporting smallholder farmers!

Job Posting: Demand Creation Officer / Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) is seeking a skilled Demand Creation Officer / Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for an 8-month fixed-term contract in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The successful candidate will enhance access to agricultural inputs by providing agronomic services and increasing awareness of Bayer technologies among agro-dealers and smallholder farmers. Key responsibilities include capacity building for agro-dealers, coordinating demo plots and field days, improving access to integrated services, and developing M&E frameworks to assess demand generation initiatives. The ideal candidate will hold a tertiary qualification in agriculture or agribusiness, possess Agriseta accreditation, and have at least three years of experience in training, M&E, and mentoring rural entrepreneurs. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. To apply, send your CV, cover letter, relevant certificates, and salary expectations to kmanaka@afap-partnership.org by 1 November 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Join AFAP in driving agricultural growth and resilience!

#AFAPUganda maize demo gardens at a glance: Demonstration gardens as established by African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) country wide during the second planting season 2024. These gardens serve as practical learning sites for farmers to receive hands on training on best agronomic practices with special focus on proper land utilisation, right crop spacing, seed rate per hole, and appropriate fertilizer application hence leading to improved yields for sustainable livelihoods for small holder farmers in Uganda. #AFAP #AFAPUganda #maizedemonstrationgardens

🌱 Exciting Training and Exhibition Alert! 🌱 📆 Date: 22nd - 25th October 2024 📍 Location: Chitedze Research Station, Malawi We are excited to announce an upcoming training session under the African Fertilizer Volunteer’s Program (AFVP), initiated by the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) and the International Fertilizer Association (IFA). This program is dedicated to mobilizing global expertise to enhance the fertilizer industry in Africa, ultimately increasing smallholder fertilizer users and usage. This year, we are honored to welcome Professor Munir Rusan from the Jordan University of Science and Technology, an expert in Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, to lead our training themed "Soil Health Support Systems for Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Resilience. Joining him will be Dr. Moses Munthali from the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), co-facilitating this invaluable session. 👩🌾 Target Audience: District Land Resources Officers, field officers from AFAP, and partner organizations. Alongside the training, we are excited to host a Soil Health Exhibition, to be graced by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture. 🌾 Join us for an exciting experience where knowledge meets practice. This course aims to empower our agricultural professionals and enhance productivity across Malawi's farming communities. 🔗 Register now to secure your spot and be part of this crucial initiative. We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP: Fiskani Nyondo: 0991421082/ 0888545505/ Kumbukani Munthali: 0999978553/ 0888520189 Expression Of Interest Link: https://lnkd.in/dWrUUrY8

#DAY1 training of Community Based Agribusiness Agents in soil health and field soil test training. African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP) today facilitated a training of Community Based Agribusiness Agents (CBAAs') in Uganda to support them in equipping farmers with soil health knowledge by soil sampling and testing. Dr.Patrick Musinguzi lecturer at Makerere University in the college of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences trained the #CBAAs' on the importance of field tests as they help in; describing characteristics and soil mapping on a farm, illustrating how soil nutrients can support crops in a balanced form, identifying the state of soil fertility, establishing areas suitable for given agricultural activities, providing a basis for land evaluation for high economic returns, guiding on fertilizer usage and other crop management practices. Realising the objectives of scientific soil health, this is aimed at accurately determining available nutrient status of soil, clearly indicating to the farmer the seriousness of any deficiencies/toxicities that may exist for various crops all which form a basis for fertilizer recommendations and permit economic evaluation of the suggested fertilizer recommendations. This is ongoing at Makerere university Agricultural Institute, Kabanyolo in Uganda under the Fertilizer Financing for Sustainable Agriculture project through Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism an arm under the African Development Bank Group