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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 20, No. 4, 2020, pp. 16178-16195
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Bioline Code: nd20063
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 20, No. 4, 2020, pp. 16178-16195
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DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION OF A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN UGANDA
Rware, H; Kansiime, KM; Watiti, J; Opio, J; Alokit, C; Kaizzi, CK; Nansamba, A; Oduor, G & Mibei, H
Abstract
This paper presents the development and pilot of the Fertilizer Optimization Tool (FOT),
a decision support tool for use by extension agents in advising smallholder farmers in
Uganda in applying optimum (rather than maximum) fertilizer by considering the
farmers’ financial abilities. The FOT is made up of three components which includes,
the optimizer tool, the nutrient substitution table, and a fertilizer calibration tool. The
FOT was developed using field trial data collected on specific agro-ecological zones and
mapped using global positioning systems in 13 Sub-Saharan Africa countries. The FOT
provides site- and farmer-specific fertilizer recommendations, providing both economic
and environmental benefits. Results are based on a survey of 241 households, 57
technical personnel and tracking of 33 FOT users over a 3-season period. Results show
a progressive shift in farmers’ attitude towards the value of fertilizer. More FOT users
(71%) disagreed with the statement that fertilizers destroy soils, compared with non-FOT
users (52%). Crop yields (tons/ha) were significantly higher for crops receiving
fertilizers compared to those not. While it is generally accepted that using fertilizer
improves crop response and achieves better yields, the value of FOT was reported in
terms of rationalization of investment by farmers. The average seasonal investment was
approx. $43, giving a return on investment of over 107%. Given the evidence generated
from Uganda, there is a need for considering out scaling the FOT technology to other
countries in Africa, which are faced with the same challenges of low fertilizer use among
smallholder farmers. Using the mobile FOT app provides a further cost-effective
opportunity to out scale the approach to benefit more smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan
Africa. Further development of the FOT is suggested, particularly in the wake of
increased focus on multi-nutrient fertilizer blends, and the need to adjust for soil PH,
moisture, and long-term impacts of nutrient substitution.
Keywords
decision support tool; fertilizer optimization tool; precision agriculture; site-specific fertilizer recommendations
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