Forget the green revolution. In Malawi, the promise of bumper harvests fueled by inorganic fertilizers is fading faster than a wilted maize stalk. A new study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has delivered a sobering verdict: while fertilizer use can boost yields in some African nations, in Malawi and Tanzania, the benefits are dwindling.
The report, “Maize yield responsiveness and profitability of fertilizer: New survey evidence from six African countries,” throws cold water on the prevailing agricultural orthodoxy. While Ethiopia, Ghana, and Nigeria are poised to reap rewards from increased fertilizer use, Malawi, despite hefty subsidies, is struggling to translate fertilizer inputs into meaningful yield gains.
“Subsidies in Malawi and Tanzania have boosted profitability,” the report notes, “but these may not be necessary in Ghana, Nigeria, or Uganda, which already have favorable price incentives. Malawi could benefit by substantially reducing its 80 percent subsidy…”
The problem, experts say, runs deeper than just economics. “The inorganic fertilizer impact has been dropping over time because Malawian soils have been over-degraded,” explains agricultural policy expert Tamani Nkhono-Mvula. “We need to replenish our topsoil. For inorganic fertilizers to be efficient, there is a need to first replace the environment, like natural trees, that were depleted in most parts of the country.”
Agriculture economist Innocent Pangapanga Phiri echoes these concerns, advocating for a shift towards “organo-mineral related fertilizers” – a harmonious blend of inorganic and organic inputs. This approach, he believes, can revitalize tired soils and unlock sustainable yield increases.
The Fertilizer Association of Malawi reports annual consumption of 400,000 to 500,000 metric tons of inorganic fertilizers. Any disruption in supply could have dire consequences for food production in this already vulnerable nation.
The IFPRI study serves as a stark reminder that a one-size-fits-all approach to agricultural development is a dangerous illusion. Malawi, like many African countries, must grapple with the complex interplay of soil degradation, climate change, and outdated farming practices. The future of food security hinges on a nuanced understanding of these challenges and a willingness to embrace innovative and sustainable solutions.
