Integrated nutrient and water management for sustainable food production in the Sahel : final technical report (March 2011 - August 2014)
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2014-08
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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.
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Final Technical Report
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RAIN WATER MANAGEMENT, FOOD SECURITY, WATER HARVESTING, FERTILIZERS, AFRICA SOUTH OF SAHARA, SUDAN, ACCESS TO CREDIT, SOIL FERTILITY