September 2024 Newsletter

Market Systems Development—How Spice and Herb Cultivation Transforms Lives in Ethiopia

Economic Development in Ethiopia

In Ethiopia's Southwest Region, an inclusive partnership between 2SCALE?and Damascene is turning traditional medicinal practices into a thriving commercial enterprise. Starting with just 270 women, it now supports 5,577 female producers. This partnership has spurred economic growth by leveraging the untapped potential of local herbs and spices, transforming them into a sustainable source of income.

Learn more about how this collaboration has bolstered local livelihoods and contributed significantly to the economic development of the region.

Read the story.

September Project Feature: Communal Approach to the Agricultural Market in Benin – Phase 3

Phase 3 of the Communal Approach to the Agricultural Market in Benin (ACMA3) project?(2022-2027) is financed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Benin. ACMA3 supports sustainable income and market systems development in the Collines, Donga, and Borgou departments of Benin. The project focuses on the priority sectors of maize, cassava, soy, groundnut, small ruminants, poultry, and market gardening.

Learn more.

50th Anniversary News

Register for IFDC's symposium in November

Register now—join IFDC on November 4 at KIT in the Netherlands as we commemorate 50 years of developing agriculture from the ground up and work to develop actionable solutions for improved soil health and food security around the globe.

Learn more.

Check out the IFDC historical timeline

Take a moment to explore an interactive history of the achievements of the International Fertilizer Development Center.

Visit the timeline.

Recent News & Blogs

Making a positive impact with fertilizer quality control training in C?te d’Ivoire

The Feed the Future Enhancing Growth through Regional Agricultural Input Systems (EnGRAIS) project for West Africa?organized a regional training of trainers for fertilizer inspectors May 21-24 in Abidjan, C?te d’Ivoire, and its success is already apparent.

Read more.

Changing the narrative for future farmers and restoring soil fertility in Burundi

Clarté Nshimirimana, a 33-year-old farmer and mother of four, resides in Burundi’s Mitakataka Hill in the Bubanza Commune. Two years ago, she embarked on a transformative journey with the Soil Fertility Stewardship Project (PAGRIS).

Meet Clarté.

Coalition of Implementors hosts key roundtable on Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan

Kigali became the epicenter of Africa’s agricultural transformation as experts, policymakers, and private sector leaders gathered for a critical roundtable on the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan?(AFSH-AP) and the Soil Initiative for Africa?(SIA). The event brought to light the pressing challenges and opportunities in securing Africa’s agricultural future.

Learn more.

From dialogue to action: charting a path for resilient food systems in Africa

IFDC Uganda Country Director Samuel Ssempala shares his experience and insights on the 2024 AFS Forum to transform Africa’s food systems. Ssempala reflected on his experience saying, "The challenges are daunting, yes. But they are not insurmountable…Africa can build a food system that is resilient and capable of feeding its people and the world."

Hear from Samuel.

Highlighting technological innovations to enhance soil health in Africa

The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum Summit, held September 2-6 in Kigali, Rwanda, provided a worldwide platform for crucial discussions on the future of African soil health. IFDC participated in the side event “Innovations for African Soil Health,” which gathered key stakeholders from across the global food systems community. The session was an engaging and insightful discussion on the importance of data-driven and technological innovations in improving soil health across the continent.

Read more.

Revitalizing Burundi’s seed sector: the transformative impact of the PSSD project

For years, small-scale farmers in Burundi struggled to access certified seeds due to a lack of local production and distribution infrastructure. Recognizing these challenges, the PSSD project set out to revitalize Burundi’s seed market by developing sustainable systems for seed production, sales, and distribution. Working alongside local seed entrepreneurs and government partners, PSSD implemented activities designed to change how farmers access and use certified seeds.

Learn more.

Soil Values first edition newsletter: advancing soil health and fertility in the Sahel

The Soil Values program is proud to announce the publication of its first newsletter to present the exciting actions and results of the program for everyone interested in agricultural development and soil management in Sahelian countries.

Read the newsletter.

Soil Values first edition newsletter: advancing soil health and fertility in the Sahel

The Soil Values program is proud to announce the publication of its first newsletter to present the exciting actions and results of the program for everyone interested in agricultural development and soil management in Sahelian countries.

Read the newsletter.