DEVELOPMENT AND UTILIZATION OF A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL FOR THE OPTIMIZATION OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION IN SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN UGANDA

• Published in: African journal of food, agriculture, nutrition, and development : AJFAND Vol. 20; no. 4; pp. 16178 - 16195
• Main Authors: Rware, H, Kansiime, KM, Watiti, J, Opio, J, Alokit, C, Kaizzi, CK, Nansamba, A, Oduor, G, Mibei, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rural Outreach Program 01-08-2020
• Subjects: decision support tool; Farmers; fertilizer optimization tool; Fertilizers; precision agriculture; site-specific fertilizer recommendations; Soil acidity; Uganda; Sub-Saharan Africa
• ISSN: 1684-5358; 1684-5374; 1684-5374
• DOI: 10.18697/ajfand.92.19140

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.