Integrated nutrient and water management for sustainable food production in the Sahel : final technical report (March 2011 - August 2014)

Abstract

Harsh climate, characterized by low and erratic precipitation patterns, droughts, and poor soil fertility decrease cereal production in Sub-saharan Africa. Considering that soils in semi-arid west Africa are highly weathered with very low nutrient reserves, long-term sustainability of fertilizer microdosing techniques need to be studied. Research indicates that rain water harvesting (RWH) alone can increase yields of cereal crops by 30 – 50 % in semi-arid areas, due to reduced runoff and enhanced infiltration by RWH structures. Combined with micro-dosing technology, plus better access to credit, there is a high potential for farmers to address issues of poverty and food insecurity.

Description

Keywords

RAIN WATER MANAGEMENT, FOOD SECURITY, WATER HARVESTING, FERTILIZERS, AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA, SUDAN, ACCESS TO CREDIT, SOIL FERTILITY

Citation

DOI