On April 26 in Abidjan, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) celebrated “50 years of developing agriculture from the ground up” as the theme for its 50th anniversary. As part of this celebration, an Open Door event highlighted IFDC’s commitment to improving food security, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and empowering communities worldwide, particularly in West Africa and the Sahel.
“We have been active in Côte d’Ivoire for eight years, working alongside agricultural producers and strategic partners. Many changes have been made, but there is still much to be done.”
Fatoumata Coulibaly, IFDC Côte d’Ivoire Country Director.
Aware of the ongoing challenges to achieving food security and sovereignty, IFDC has developed a new strategy to guide its interventions over the next decade. This strategy focuses on optimizing fertilizer use and promoting soil health as key vectors for scientific deployment in service of smallholder farmers. IFDC Director of Soil Health and Agricultural Productivity Dr. Ekwé Dossa emphasized that the Open Door celebration demonstrated the group’s ongoing commitment to food security and sustainable development.
Director of Seeds, Fertilizers, and Related Products Ya Silué Naminata, who represented the Minister of State and Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, praised the Open Door event for showcasing IFDC’s technological expertise to various stakeholders, including producers, processors, agricultural entrepreneurs, input suppliers, and consumers, both in Côte d’Ivoire and internationally. Naminata stated, “IFDC’s contribution significantly strengthens the government’s efforts in implementing its agricultural development program. I urge you to double your efforts to achieve our common goals of food security and economic growth.”
The IFDC Open Door event in Côte d’Ivoire showcased the projects, innovations, and skills developed by IFDC in the country. Participants from diverse backgrounds gained a deeper understanding of IFDC’s unique approach through detailed presentations and enriching panel discussions.
The event brought together institutions, experts, and professionals with shared interests, providing a valuable opportunity to address questions about IFDC’s activities and its impacts at global, regional, and national levels. “We are here to share our results and innovations with you and to invite you to commemorate with us IFDC’s 50 years of serving agricultural development worldwide,” shared Fatoumata Coulibaly, IFDC Côte d’Ivoire Country Director.
Participants attended several panels featuring key agricultural development stakeholders. These discussions resulted in strategic recommendations and action ideas to improve fertilizer use and soil health practices. Such goals include ensuring food security, reducing the carbon footprint, and enhancing environmental sustainability in agriculture.
Since 2016, the IFDC has been a major player in Côte d’Ivoire, combining innovative research, market systems development, and strategic partnerships to disseminate sustainable agricultural solutions. These efforts aim to improve soil health, food security, and farmers’ livelihoods. Over the past eight years, IFDC has actively participated in developing agricultural value chains, working closely with all local value chain actors.
More information on the current projects in Côte d’Ivoire:
- Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2SCALE): 2SCALE is an incubator program that manages a portfolio of public-private partnerships for inclusive business in agri-food sectors and industries. 2SCALE offers a range of support services to its business champions and partners, enabling them to produce, transform, and supply quality food products.
- Feed the Future Enhancing Growth through Regional Agricultural Input Systems Project for West Africa: Feed the Future Enhancing Growth through Regional Agricultural Input Systems Project for West Africa aims to increase the availability and use of fertilizers that are appropriate and affordable for smallholder farmers in West Africa and is one of the many assistance programs supported by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The IFDC Open Door event in Côte d’Ivoire was a successful celebration of 50 years of significant contributions to sustainable agriculture, reinforcing existing collaborations and creating new opportunities for a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural future in Côte d’Ivoire and beyond.
