African Plant Nutrition Institute celebrates five years of agricultural innovation in Africa

Tuesday 24 June 2025 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

African Plant Nutrition Institute celebrates five years of agricultural innovation in Africa

In honor of its fifth anniversary, the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) has unveiled a comprehensive report detailing its contributions to sustainable agriculture across Africa. The report, titled “2024 Annual Report: Celebrating Five Years of Growth,” highlights how precise research on plant nutrition has the potential to transform African agriculture while safeguarding critical ecosystems.

Advancing science-led solutions for African agriculture

Since its establishment in 2019, APNI has emerged as a pioneer in agricultural innovation, focusing on solutions that empower farmers to increase yields efficiently while protecting the environment. One of its flagship initiatives, 4R4 Africa, has revolutionized fertilizer application by providing smallholder farmers with precise, sustainable techniques to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.

Other notable projects include Empower-OFE, which fosters collaboration between farmers and researchers to implement locally tailored cultivation methods, and Land CAPITAL, which rehabilitates degraded farmland to demonstrate the harmony between agricultural productivity and environmental preservation. In drought-prone regions, the RAFAD project equips farmers with tools and knowledge to sustain food production despite unpredictable weather patterns.

Building local capacity for long-term impact

APNI’s commitment to Africa’s agricultural future is evident in its capacity-building initiatives. Through its GROWING Africa program, hundreds of agricultural professionals have been trained to tackle the continent's unique challenges. Additionally, the EXCEL Africa program has nurtured scientific leadership by funding research and mentorship opportunities for promising agronomists.

Hicham El Habti, former APNI Board Chair and President of the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), emphasized the organization’s evolving mission: “Five years on, APNI continues to grow as a trusted source of locally specific, data-driven agronomic innovation in Africa. This annual report helps us evaluate our progress, refine our goals, and reaffirm our dedication to the people and purpose driving our work.”

Tangible results in farming communities

The report includes case studies demonstrating APNI’s impact on farming communities. In Burkina Faso, maize production has surged by nearly 30% among farmers adopting APNI-recommended practices. Similarly, in Kenya, small-scale farmers have achieved consistent yields during prolonged droughts by implementing water-saving techniques developed through APNI research.

APNI Director General Kaushik Majumdar outlined the institute’s vision: “As Africa moves into the next century, it will need not only more food but also food of higher quality and diversity to improve health outcomes.”

Collaboration for sustainable growth

APNI’s success is rooted in its extensive network of partnerships with national agricultural ministries, international research bodies, private sector stakeholders, and local farming communities. These collaborations ensure that scientific breakthroughs are translated into practical solutions on the ground, bridging the gap between laboratory research and field application.

Looking ahead to 2030, APNI remains committed to its core principles of scientific integrity, local relevance, and sustainable development, aiming to foster a resilient agricultural future for Africa.