The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Project (4R-NSP) has benefitted more than 152,000 people, increasing food production and access to credit, agricultural knowledge and gender equality for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal.
This five-year project enhanced food security for co-operative members.
The 4R-NSP – a partnership between the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada), Fertilizer Canada, the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) and Global Affairs Canada – promoted sustainable agricultural practices among farming communities.
Overall, the project engaged 196 co-operatives and established 487 Village Savings and Loan Associations, which helped members access financial resources for production and micro-business ventures.
“We are immensely proud of the 4R-NSP’s accomplishments, which have made a lasting impact on the lives of smallholder farmers and we look forward to continued collaboration to promote sustainable development in these regions going forward,” Benoit Andre, Executive Director of CDF Canada, said.
As part of knowledge mobilization, a comprehensive 4R Nutrient Stewardship Guidebook was developed and translated into three key languages. In addition, a free and accessible e-learning platform was developed, allowing training and certification on 4R nutrient stewardship principles: right source, right rate, right time and right place.
In addition, the project’s scientific findings contributed to national fertilizer recommendations for wheat and teff in Ethiopia.
What’s more, efforts to increase women’s involvement in agriculture and leadership roles included training, mentorship programs, and advocacy for gender-inclusive policies, resulting in considerable progress in women’s representation in decision-making processes and leadership positions within co-operatives.
The 4R-NSP was a team effort. First, Fertilizer Canada played a pivotal role in communications, raising awareness, and engaging in policy initiatives. At the same time, APNI provided critical technical support, ensuring the scientific validity and effectiveness of recommended crop productivity enhancement practices while CDF Canada was responsible for on-the-ground implementation, including establishing local partnerships and providing logistical support for the project’s success.
Second, APNI also collaborated closely with local partners, such as the Savannah Agriculture Research Institute and the Social Enterprise Development Foundation of West Africa in Ghana, Ethio Wetlands and Natural Resources Association in Ethiopia, and the Department of Rural Development Service, Senegal. These partnerships provided training, managing 4R demonstration plots, and contributing to the development of 4R recommendations.
Finally, Global Affairs Canada provided a significant financial contribution with additional support from private-sector entities, such as Sollio Agriculture, Nutrien, J.R. Simplot, AGI, OCP, International Raw Materials and Shell.
“The 4R-NSP’s success is based on non-governmental organizations, the private sector and governments working together,” Andre said. “Despite economic instability, insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic, the project achieved remarkable milestones.”
About CDF Canada
The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) is an international non-governmental organization established in 1947. Representing the international development arm of Canada’s co-operative and credit union community, we embody co-operative principles to foster self-reliant, member-owned co-operative movements in Africa, Asia and the Americas, which achieve sustainable economic and social development, financial inclusion, climate change resilience, and local leadership capacity.
About Fertilizer Canada
Fertilizer Canada represents producers, manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilizers. The fertilizer industry plays an essential role in Canada’s economy, contributing over $23 billion annually and employs 76,000 workers throughout the supply chain. To remain globally competitive, we are committed to supporting our industry with innovative research and programming. We take pride in advocating for sustainability, stewardship, safety and security through our industry-leading standards and Codes of Practice. As the foundation of Canada’s agri-food sector, we apply innovative solutions that positively impact the environment, the economy, and the social fabrics of Canadian life.
About APNI
The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) is a not-for-profit research and development organization founded in 2019 and based in Benguerir, Morocco. APNI staff are also centered in Settat (Morocco), Yamoussoukro (Côte d’lvoire), and Nairobi (Kenya).
The Institute partners with governments, NGOs, agribusiness, scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders who share its vision of enhanced plant nutrition for a resilient and food-secure Africa.
APNI aims to use its expertise in plant nutrition to improve crop performance through better management of plant nutrients and enhanced soil health. Implementing better plant nutrient management practices will lead to productive and sustainable landscapes, and prosperous livelihoods in Africa.
About Global Affairs Canada
We define, shape and advance Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. We manage diplomatic relations, promote international trade and provide consular assistance. We lead international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. We also contribute to national security and the development of international law.