At IFDC, our solutions focus on bridging the gap between these big issues. We strive to develop better fertilizer and production technologies, transfer these improved technologies to smallholder farmers, and connect these farmers to efficient and profitable markets. This continuum is supported by our work to foster an enabling environment which includes conducive government policies, knowledge and data management, and smart fertilizer subsidies, among others.
In practice, our solutions take the shape of four Strategic Objectives. Each of these objectives is supported by research and development activities which embody Our Approaches.
Develop Better Technologies
Develop, identify, and test technologies and innovations to improve soil health and plant nutrition.
Catalyze Farm Productivity
Increase farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability of target smallholder agricultural systems.
Strengthen Markets
Strengthen input and output market systems to scale technologies and improve livelihoods, environmental outcomes, and climate resilience.
Enable Impact
Enable impact by improving policies, strengthening capacity, and sharing knowledge.
2020-2030 Strategy
By streamlining our legacy of expertise while also incorporating innovative thinking and expanded partnerships, IFDC remains ready to solve issues of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental sustainability.
Our Approach
We go beyond short-term answers to complex problems. By working with partners to bridge the traditional gap between research, smallholder farmers, and markets, we strive to solve the greatest food security issues facing the world today.
Our Impact
Our work strives to go from science to impact. Since 1974, our efforts in the lab and the field have empowered farmers and business owners all over the world to change their lives.
Our Research
From field tests to laboratory analysis, or from fertilizer market assessments to economic studies, our research philosophy revolves around applied research for sustained impact.
Featured Projects
Soil Values
Soil Values, a 10-year program (2024-2034) financed by the Netherlands Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS), is a transformative initiative unfolding across Burkina Faso, Mali, Northern Nigeria, and Niger, where the primary objective is to establish sustainable soil fertility management as a cornerstone within the farming systems of the Sahelian and Guinea Savanna regions. Soil Values […]
SOILS-Space to Place
Overview Transforming agriculture in Africa to meet the needs of an expanding population and facilitate inclusive, agriculture-led economic growth will require increased productivity, driven by access to inputs and innovation at scale. Fertilizer is a critical component of intensive and sustainable agricultural systems, allowing greater productivity from existing land under cultivation. In alignment with the […]
Communal Approach to the Agricultural Market in Benin – Phase 3 (ACMA3)
Phase 3 of the Communal Approach to the Agricultural Market in Benin (ACMA3) project (2022-2027) is financed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Benin. ACMA3 intervenes in the Collines, Donga, and Borgou departments of Benin, working in the priority sectors of maize, cassava, soy, groundnut, small ruminants, poultry, and market gardening. […]
Building Resilience and Inclusive Growth of Highland farming systems for rural Transformation (BRIGHT)
BRIGHT is building resilience of 100,000 highland farm households in Uganda to economic and climate-related shocks by supporting households in inclusive farm-planning and decision-making, introducing appropriate climate-smart agriculture techniques and technologies to strengthen local farming systems, ensuring natural resource conservation and development of strategic value chains. BRIGHT is building resilience of 100,000 highland farm households […]