ECOWAS Launches Fertilizer and Soil Health Center

Abuja, Nigeria – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) launched the Regional Center for Fertilizers and Soil Health this week. The initiative aims to tackle the longstanding issues of inefficient fertilizer use and poor soil health that have plagued the region’s agricultural productivity.

This long-awaited center, built on the progress made since the 2006 Abuja Declaration on Fertilizers and Soil Health, officially opened its doors on June 26th, 2024. Located at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria, the center will benefit from the expertise of a consortium of technical partners, including IITA, the World Bank, OCP Africa, and several academic institutions. Initial funding comes from the World Bank and OCP Africa.

The center’s primary mission is to provide technical assistance to ECOWAS member states, including Mauritania and Chad, in developing and implementing investments in fertilizer and soil health management. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve long-term improvements in soil health and fertility, leading to increased yields, profitability, and efficient resource utilization. Additionally, the center will play a crucial role in enhancing climate resilience within the region’s agricultural sector.

The launch ceremony witnessed the signing of key memoranda of understanding. ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Massandjé Touré_Litsé, formalized partnerships with IITA and OCP Africa. The agreement with IITA paves the way for collaborative implementation of regional agricultural policies, while the MoU with OCP Africa unlocks training opportunities in agricultural extension services focused on fertilizer application and soil health management at Morocco’s Mohamed 6 Polytechnic University.

“Solving the soil health problem in Africa requires more than just technical assistance,” declared ECOWAS. The organization emphasizes the importance of robust partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to create a lasting impact on livelihoods.