A Path Forward: Fertilizers, Food Security, and the Promise of Resilient Systems

The Global Fertilizer Day just ended yesterday on 13th October 2024 and now we turn our attention to World Food Day, we are reminded of how interconnected these observances are. The challenges of ensuring food security, addressing hunger, and maintaining sustainable agricultural systems are deeply intertwined with the availability and proper use of fertilizers. Yet, this story goes beyond just inputs and yields. It’s about the transformation of our agricultural practices, resilience in the face of adversity, and collaboration across sectors to feed our growing world while protecting the planet.

It’s easy to talk about fertilizers in terms of numbers, higher crop yields, improved productivity and so on but at the heart of this conversation is the smallholder farmer. These individuals, particularly the women and youth who form the backbone of African agriculture, are the true stewards of our food systems. However, their journey is fraught with difficulties. Fertilizers, when accessible and applied efficiently, can help farmers increase their productivity, but the real challenge lies in the broader picture, which is ensuring that these productivity gains are sustainable and contribute to long-term food security for all.

Fertilizers are critical in this equation, but only part of the solution. The growing complexity of farming in Africa, shaped by rising costs, poor-quality inputs, and an increasingly volatile climate, means that we must look beyond just improving yields. Farmers face a paradox; despite producing more food, many still struggle to access nutritious, diverse, and affordable diets themselves. The celebration of Global Fertilizer Day isn’t just about the product, it’s about using that product within systems designed to create real, lasting change.

As we approach World Food Day on 16 October 2024, the importance of building resilient food systems comes into sharper focus. The theme this year emphasizes collaboration; governments, the private sector, and communities coming together to ensure that everyone has access to diverse, nutritious food. This global effort calls on all of us to rethink the way we approach food production, consumption, and waste. But, in doing so, we must also recognize that the foundation of any sustainable food system lies in the land and the farmers who cultivate it.

Reflecting on my recent participation in the Africa Food Systems Forum in Rwanda, I was reminded of how fragile our current food systems are. In many parts of Africa, smallholder farmers are facing the dual threats of climate change and market volatility. We’ve seen droughts devastate crops, delayed rains upend planting seasons, and food prices soaring due to global disruptions. Farmers, particularly in Uganda where I come from, have to make tough decisions every day; decisions that go beyond the immediate concern of feeding their families. They are decisions that will shape the future of food security not only in their communities but across the continent.

This is where the work of organizations like the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) becomes so critical. Our efforts focus not just on fertilizers but on promoting integrated approaches to farming that build long-term resilience. Through projects like BRIGHT, we’re helping farmers in Uganda navigate these complex challenges by combining fertilizer use with climate-smart agriculture. These are not just short-term fixes; they are part of a broader strategy to empower farmers with the knowledge, tools, and market connections they need to thrive in an unpredictable environment.

My ?key takeaway from Global Fertilizer Day and World Food Day is this: sustainability and resilience are inseparable. Fertilizers alone will not solve the hunger crisis, nor will climate-smart practices without the right inputs. What’s required is an integrated approach, one that not only addresses the immediate needs of farmers but also positions them for success in the face of future shocks. As I mentioned in my last article, the challenges we face today demand a higher level of accountability and partnership. No single entity can solve these problems in isolation. We need to move beyond fragmented initiatives and align our efforts to create systems that are not just productive but also resilient and inclusive.

This is why partnerships are essential. Governments must take a leading role in creating the right policies, the private sector must innovate, and organizations like IFDC must continue to provide technical expertise and support. At the same time, we cannot ignore the role of the consumer. Reducing food waste, making healthy food choices, and advocating for sustainable practices are actions we can all take to contribute to the global fight against hunger.

Africa's food systems find their strength in the people who are often overlooked in these conversations; smallholder farmers, many of them women and youth. Their role is vital to any real change in agriculture. To truly unlock their potential, we need to make sure they have access to high-quality inputs like fertilizers, alongside the knowledge and training needed for sustainable farming. This is how we can begin bridging the gap between what’s possible and what’s being achieved.

In Uganda, the BRIGHT initiative is already demonstrating what is possible. By linking farmers to value chains, promoting inclusive farm planning, and supporting climate adaptation, we are not just reacting to crises; we are building the foundation for a food system that is capable of feeding millions while also protecting the environment. These are lessons that can and should be scaled across the continent, ensuring that Africa’s agricultural future is both sustainable and equitable.

As we continue to reflect on the themes of Global Fertilizer Day and World Food Day, it’s clear that the work is far from over. But there is reason for hope. The solutions exist, and with the right support, Africa’s farmers can overcome the challenges they face. It will require bold action, innovative thinking, and above all, a commitment to partnerships that drive real, tangible progress. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential. Together, we can create food systems that not only feed the world but sustain it for generations to come.