Fertilizer Canada and Tractors for Africa will focus on improving agricultural productivity and standards of living in Africa through the partnership
Fertilizer Canada partners with Tractors for Africa
Fertilizer Canada and Tractors for Africa have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance sustainable agriculture in Ghana as part of the 4R Solution Project.
Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the project focuses on the use of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place) into fertiliser management practices to increase incomes of 80,000 smallholder farmers, particularly women.
Fertilizer Canada and Tractors for Africa claim to have complementary objectives and goals to increase agricultural productivity and standards of living in Africa. The MOU reflects the commitment of the organisations to improve food security, promote climate smart agriculture and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The pair have also agreed that co-operatives, other private sector actors, government extension workers and other future partners will be an important addition for the success of their joint initiatives for the 4R Solution project.
Fertilizer Canada executive vice president Clyde Graham said: “Fertilizer Canada is pleased to be partnering with Tractors for Africa to advance sustainable and resilient agriculture creating new opportunities for smallholder farmers.
“Mechanisation is an important tool for agricultural crop production. Farmers who have access to improved tools and technologies have the opportunity to shift from subsistence farming to market-oriented farming. Farm equipment also improves the precision of fertiliser application.”
Tractors for Africa co-founder and treasurer Louis Ricard said: “Tractors for Africa is excited to partner with Fertilizer Canada to enable the goal of raising living standards for African farm families.
“Our core mission is to deliver mechanised solutions and provide training to farming cooperatives on equipment, business systems, and soil management. Incorporating Fertilizer Canada’s 4R Solution Project in the yearly training will show farmers how to use these critical inputs in an economic and sustainable way, contributing to higher yields and a pattern of sustainable agriculture into the future.”
4R Solution Project aims to support smallholder farms in Africa
The 4R Solution Project is a partnership that will use Canadian funding and expertise to integrate the principles of co-operative development and sustainable agriculture management using 4R Nutrient Stewardship to improve socio-economic opportunities for men and women smallholder farmers.
The project is in partnership with the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and International Plant Nutrition Institute Canada.
Fertilizer Canada represents manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur fertilisers. The fertiliser industry in Canada contributes $23bn annually and creates more than 76,000 jobs.