Dr. Sy Alain Traoré, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development at the ECOWAS Commission, has issued a strong call to address the challenges facing the fertilizer sector in West Africa. His message highlights the urgent need to make better use of the region’s own natural resources to restore soil fertility and strengthen food security.

As agricultural soils continue to be depleted after decades of intensive cultivation, Dr. Traoré stresses the critical importance of replenishing essential nutrients to maintain soil productivity and ensure sustainable food production.

“I regret the paradox whereby the natural resources required to manufacture fertilizers, such as phosphates and dolomite, are often exported without being processed locally, creating a costly dependence on imported fertilizers,” he said.

He also pointed to the unequal distribution of fertilizers produced within the region, noting that a significant share is exported instead of meeting the needs of local farmers.

Dr. Traoré further denounced the corruption affecting fertilizer subsidy schemes, arguing that it undermines the efforts of governments and private-sector stakeholders to improve farmers’ access to these essential agricultural inputs.

Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic. According to Dr. Traoré, the West Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Roadmap marks an important step forward in coordinating regional efforts to improve soil management and fertilizer access.

He called for stronger support from governments and development partners, emphasizing that while current investments are encouraging, they remain insufficient to meet the region’s growing needs. He also urged stakeholders to mobilize additional resources and actively participate in the African Union Fertilizer Summit, underscoring the crucial role of healthy, fertile soils in securing Africa’s long-term food security.