The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) celebrated a remarkable milestone on October 28 by hosting this year’s final Open Door event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to mark 50 years of globally advancing agricultural transformation. The event converged key players from donor organizations, government agencies, development partners, and the private sector, all gathered to honor IFDC’s legacy and vision for a more sustainable future in agriculture.
Dr. Abebe Shiferaw, IFDC’s Country Director for Ethiopia, addressed IFDC’s new milestone and positive impact in his opening speech.
“This day allows us to reflect on how IFDC has contributed to our community by developing and sharing technologies that benefit smallholder farmers across Ethiopia.”
Dr. abebe shiferaw, ifdc country director for ethiopia
He emphasized IFDC’s mission to deliver innovative solutions in fertilizer and soil health, which in turn help governments, partners, the fertilizer industry, farmers, and investors address the challenges facing agriculture: “This day allows us to reflect on how IFDC has contributed to our community by developing and sharing technologies that benefit smallholder farmers across Ethiopia.”
IFDC’s approach to achieving its mission includes advancing technologies that restore soil health, increasing crop yields, strengthening market systems, supporting policy and regulatory development, and enhancing skills and knowledge across public and private sectors. This comprehensive strategy helps farmers produce more with fewer resources, navigate challenges, and seize new opportunities.
IFDC has played a pivotal role in Ethiopia’s agricultural landscape since the 1980s, supporting fertilizer marketing, training, and advocacy. In partnership with the Ethiopian Geological Survey and backed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), IFDC helped map Ethiopia’s phosphate resources, laying a foundation for a sustainable fertilizer industry.
Between 1990 and 2020, IFDC expanded its focus to include soil and seed marketing, while fostering public-private partnerships. In 1993, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), IFDC conducted a critical assessment of Ethiopia’s fertilizer sector as part of the Development of Competitive Markets initiative. Later, from 2011 to 2016, IFDC collaborated with ACDI/VOCA through the Feed the Future program under the Agricultural Growth Program – Agribusiness and Market Development (AGP-AMDe) in Ethiopia to strengthen the country’s seed sector, conduct fertilizer trials, and establish a fertilizer blending facility.
“To feed the growing global population, we must boost mineral fertilizer use for improved food production.”
Shemsu Baissa, AMSAP Regional Project Coordinator at ACDI/VOCA
Today, IFDC’s Ethiopia portfolio includes:
- The Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2SCALE) program: Funded by the Netherlands Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS), 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.
- The AfricaFertilizer Initiative: AfricaFertilizer is the premier source of fertilizer statistics and information in Africa. The initiative is hosted by IFDC and supported by several partners, including the International Fertilizer Association, Argus Media, USAID, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, through Development Gateway.
- The Feed the Future Sustainable Opportunities for Improving Livelihoods with Soils (SOILS) Consortium: The Soils Consortium, funded by USAID Bureau for Resilience and Food Security and initiated by IFDC and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification (SIIL) at Kansas State University, aims to improve soil fertility in the most vulnerable regions of sub-Saharan Africa by bringing together national and international partners to develop innovative solutions which promote practical, profitable soil and land management technologies.
IFDC also co-founded the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health, a partnership aimed at supporting African governments in rolling out the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Action Plan. This coalition builds on the momentum of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, an African Union-led event held in Nairobi in May.
“We’re proud to work with the African Union to bring the AFSH Action Plan and the Soil Initiative for Africa to life across Africa,” said Dr. Oumou Camara, IFDC Vice President of Programs, who joined the Open Door virtually.
In Ethiopia, the need for increased fertilizer use is pressing, with farmers applying an average of 35 kg per hectare, below the Abuja Declaration’s recommended 50 kg per hectare—essential for improving soil health and ensuring food security.
“To feed the growing global population, we must boost mineral fertilizer use for improved food production,” stressed Shemsu Baissa, Ethiopia Advanced Maize Seed Adoption Program (AMSAP) Regional Project Coordinator at ACDI/VOCA, during a discussion at the Open Door event.
As IFDC celebrates 50 years, its work in Ethiopia and across Africa underscores a steadfast commitment to sustainable agricultural development, soil health, and food security. IFDC’s Open Door events serve as a powerful reminder of the organization’s impact and its ongoing work to empower smallholder farmers and foster resilient agricultural systems for future generations.
