As fertiliser prices remain volatile and supply disruptions continue affecting agricultural production across the continent, growing attention is shifting toward chemical-free farming alternatives as a potential solution for African food systems. An opinion article published by Al Jazeera argues that Africa’s worsening fertiliser crisis is exposing the vulnerability of import-dependent agricultural systems while creating momentum ...

The government of Kenya has expanded its fertiliser subsidy programme ahead of the 2026 long rains season, reinforcing efforts to stabilise food production and shield farmers from volatile global input prices. Under the revised framework, additional fertiliser volumes have been allocated to the National Cereals and Produce Board depots across key grain-growing counties including Uasin ...

Despite renewed policy focus on food security, access to affordable fertiliser remains one of the most significant constraints facing African farmers. High global input prices, currency pressures, and distribution inefficiencies continue to limit uptake, particularly among smallholders. Several African governments have expanded fertiliser subsidy programmes in recent seasons, with mixed results. While subsidies have boosted ...

By Brandon Moss Côte d’Ivoire has introduced a 9% value-added tax (VAT) on fertiliser inputs under its 2026 budget framework—a significant policy shift that could materially influence the cost of farming across key agricultural zones. Previously exempt, fertiliser and associated production inputs are now subject to VAT, raising questions about cost pressures on producers and ...

How the Emergency Food Production Facility is reducing food and fertiliser import dependence A crisis that reshaped Zambia’s agriculture When the Russia–Ukraine conflict erupted in February 2022, global fertiliser markets were thrown into turmoil. Prices surged, supplies tightened and African farmers—already operating on thin margins—were pushed to the brink. In Zambia, the impact was immediate ...

Port Sudan |December 2025 Sustain Africa, a pan-African initiative hosted by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and implemented in partnership with CIMMYT, has delivered a major shipment of agricultural inputs to Sudan as part of efforts to revive food production following more than two years of conflict. The initiative confirmed the successful arrival of ...

In a landmark move, the Africa Fertiliser Industry Development Association was launched during the Africa Food Systems Forum 2025. The event, hosted by AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, and the African Union Commission, marked a coordinated effort to implement the Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan, a 10-year roadmap aimed at reversing soil degradation and boosting productivity. ...

Mozambique’s Port of Nacala. Source: Oriental Consultants Global Malawi is positioning itself as a multimodal transhipment country linking landlocked neighbours such as Zambia with burgeoning ports in northern Mozambique. Apart from upgrading existing road infrastructure and expanding its logistical network through the support of the US foreign aid agency’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MMC), Malawi is ...

Western Cape State veterinarians have been lauded for the province’s efforts to increase agricultural exports. According to the Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, the province is responsible for 55% of South Africa’s primary agricultural exports, with nearly 50% being livestock or livestock products. The MEC was addressing 1 500 delegates from 48 ...

Workers carrying bags of fertilizer at a warehouse in Njombe, Tanzania. Global Affairs Canada(link is external) has provided $7.3 million in funding to the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity and smallholder farmer livelihoods, particularly women and youth across Africa. The financing will aid the Mechanism in replicating its credit guarantee programs, ...