Moroccan Fertilizer Powerhouse Collaborates with USAID to Boost Africa's Agriculture

Friday 24 May 2024 - 14:10

In a significant development poised to transform Africa's agricultural sector, Morocco's OCP Group, a key player in the global fertilizer industry, has teamed up with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This landmark partnership, announced during USAID Administrator Samantha Power's visit to the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, aims to tackle the hurdles hindering agricultural growth across the continent.

The agreement, spanning four years, encompasses two innovative initiatives geared towards enhancing agricultural efficiency and productivity throughout Africa. OCP, through its subsidiary OCP Africa, will inject a substantial $30 million to promote the judicious use of fertilizers in sub-Saharan Africa, complementing USAID's $40 million investment in expanding the Space to Place Project, one of the initiatives outlined in the newly formed OCP-USAID collaboration.

The Space to Place program, a game-changer in its own right, will compile precise local soil and climate data to lay the groundwork for a 'Decision Support Tool.' This tool will offer farmers tailored recommendations on the optimal application of fertilizers, custom-designed to meet the specific nutrient requirements of their land and crops. By concurrently enhancing soil health and bolstering productivity sustainably, this approach holds the promise of revolutionizing agricultural practices across the continent.

The second project, the Rock Phosphate Amendment Project, will assess the efficacy of utilizing phosphate rock and innovative nutrient formulations derived from it to enhance crop yields and soil fertility. A 'Phosphate Rock Decision Support System' will be developed under this initiative, aiding farmers in identifying the soils and crops best suited for this approach.

Mostafa Terrab, CEO of OCP Group, expressed his enthusiasm for deepening the collaboration with USAID, remarking, "At OCP Group, we are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with USAID, working closely on these pioneering projects aimed at unlocking the potential of African farmers to not only feed Africa but also contribute to global food security, all while promoting soil health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience."

Echoing Terrab's sentiments, Administrator Power underscored the significance of the partnership, highlighting its utilization of geospatial technology to provide farmers with actionable insights for optimizing fertilizer use. "It leverages data to offer practical predictions and solutions to enhance yields," she emphasized.

With a combined investment of $100 million, this groundbreaking initiative directly aligns with the continental Action Plan adopted at the Nairobi Summit. It holds the promise of empowering African farmers with the requisite tools and knowledge to maximize yields sustainably, positioning the continent as a vital contributor to global food production while safeguarding its invaluable soil and environment.