Advances in Integrated Soil Fertility Management in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Food insecurity is a central concern and a fundamental challenge for human welfare and economic growth in Africa. Low agricultural production, results in low incomes, poor nutrition, vulnerability to risks and lack of empowerment. Land degradation and soil fertility depletion are considered the major threats to food security and natural resource conservation in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Investments in technology, policy and institutional reforms are needed to increase agricultural productivity to ensure food security and sustained national economies. Past research has generated numerous soil fertility management technologies which if adopted could propel the African continent out of the poverty trap. However, these technologies have had little, if any, impact due to low adoption by the smallholder farmers.

A comprehensive synthesis of agricultural research and development experiences from sub-Saharan Africa Highlights practical lessons (challenges and opportunities) from the sub-Saharan Africa region Wide topic coverage, both biophysical and social issues, of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) Discusses both fundamental and applied research aspects of ISFM Demonstrates how networking is a powerful tool to bring change in agricultural research and development in Africa

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From the contents

Preface.- Part I: Setting the scene/Introductory papers.- Part II: Integrated Nutrient Management (INM).- Part III: Below Ground Biodiversity.- Part IV: Participatory Approaches and Scaling up/out.