Policy recommendations to enhance farm-level use of fertilizer and irrigation water in sub-Saharan Africa

Food production per capita has declined in sub-Saharan Africa in recent years, as population has increased faster than agricultural production. The causes of slow growth in agricultural productivity include poor soil fertility, insufficient use of chemical and organic supplemental fertilizer, and inadequate investments in irrigation systems and other infrastructure. In addition, government policies that have taxed agriculture heavily have limited the farm-level accumulation of capital and discouraged farmers from making the investments needed to enhance productivity. This paper describes public policies and investments that will enhance the farm-level availability and use of fertilizer and water resources, with the ultimate goals of improving food production and rural incomes, and enhancing food security. Examples include enabling farmers to obtain market prices for their output, requiring them to pay per-unit prices for irrigation water and fertilizer, and supporting investments in infrastructure and institutions that will enhance the delivery of water and fertilizer to remote, rural areas. Public investments and policies that lead to higher rates of growth in agricultural productivity may generate substantial public benefits in many countries. (C) 2003 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.