The Dilemma of Using Fertilizer to Power the Green Revolution in Sub-Saharan Africa

摘要: Agriculture in over 84% of world farmlands is rainfed but yields just half the crops produced. In East Africa 60% landmass arid and semi-arid land (ASAL), where rainfall inadequate for arable agriculture. The ASAL environment harsh. Rainfall low, unreliable bimodal, seasons have unequal production potential. Kenya, short rains contribute 55% annual rainfall, while long 35%. Frequent droughts cause crop failure raising dilemma whether farmers can apply fertilizer to either season. Fertilizer hybrid seeds are expensive no longer keep sufficient livestock manure due small units lack herdsmen occasioned by free primary education. Poor plant inferior cultivars without or fail pesticides manage weeds. Illiteracy low mechanization limit ability maintain required population, planting late inability prepare early. Crops therefore unable utilize all available moisture. Farmers must use recommended cultural practices including appropriate cultivars, fertility, seed, time, weeding pesticide application. produce also attract competitive market prices. Investing production, fertilizer, risky be done during rains. government courageous formulating enabling policies. Policy should regulate based on size Planting grass livestock, not maize humans, gives better results ASALs. Overcoming these dilemmas empowers ASALs power green revolution.