July 2025 Newsletter
International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC)
Developing Agriculture from the Ground Up
New Papers Reveal Soil’s Role in Achieving the SDGs
Spotlight on the SOIL+ Initiative
As part of IFDC’s SOIL+ initiative, a new series of three technical papers explores the vital links between soil health and three key Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Drawing from a growing body of global evidence, these papers examine how sustainable land management practices—combined with smart fertilizer use and climate-resilient agricultural strategies—can drive progress toward a more food-secure, equitable, and environmentally stable world.
In an era when the window to meet the 2030 SDG targets is rapidly closing, aligning agricultural development with the SDGs has never been more critical. These papers aim to elevate soil health in global policy and development conversations, offering practical insights for governments, donors, and implementers seeking long-term resilience, sustainable food systems, and shared prosperity. By placing healthy soil at the center of action, the SOIL+ initiative reinforces a simple but powerful truth: we cannot end poverty, eliminate hunger, or tackle climate change without restoring and protecting the ground beneath our feet.
July Project Feature: Integrated Rural Development in Gaoual, Koundara, and Mali (PDRI/GKM)
The PDRI/GKM project (2019-2025), funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), aims to increase agricultural production, improve market access, and build agricultural and rural infrastructure in the prefectures of Gaoual, Koundara, and Mali in Guinea.
Recent News and Blogs
Commending decades of agricultural development: IFDC recognized by Alabama leaders
On July 16, IFDC welcomed Alabama state and local leaders to its headquarters in Muscle Shoals for the reading of an official proclamation honoring IFDC’s 50th anniversary and five decades of global impact. The event recognized IFDC’s vital role in advancing food security and soil health, both worldwide and in its home state.
Regional Hub set to improve soil health and boost farm productivity in Togo
Smallholder farmers in Togo are grappling with poor soil fertility and declining yields due to limited knowledge of the soil nutrient status and inefficient fertilizer use. To address this, the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel is introducing data-driven, site-specific fertilizer recommendations that align with integrated soil fertility management principles.
Upcoming event: Sustaining communities through service
On August 14, IFDC Vice President of Corporate Services Chris Holt will join the “Growing Local Economies” panel at the “Sustaining Communities Through Service” forum, held from 10 AM to 3 PM at the UNA Guillot University Center. The event will explore how service can strengthen community and economic development.
Addressing tomato price volatility in Nigeria
A new report from HortiNigeria unpacks 2024 price trends across Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, and Oyo—and explores practical solutions to reduce volatility through improved irrigation, storage, and market access. Discover how stabilizing prices can protect farmer incomes, strengthen food systems, and keep nutritious food on every table.
Aissatou Amadou Baldé: A woman at the heart of agri-food processing in Guinea
Starting with handmade ginger syrup and a small investment, Aissatou founded Kakouma Agro-Tech, which now creates jobs and processes a variety of local products for markets in Guinea and abroad. Through training from the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project in Guinea (PDCVA-G) project, Aissatou grew her business and marketing skills, now using her training to inspire youth and make agribusiness a true lever for social transformation.
Honoring Simon N. Groot, a visionary who transformed vegetable farming in Nigeria
IFDC honors the life and legacy of Simon N. Groot, a visionary whose commitment to improved seeds and farmer empowerment transformed agriculture and lifted millions out of poverty. His impact endures through East-West Seed and the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation, key partners in initiatives like HortiNigeria, which continue to drive horticultural transformation and food security in Nigeria and beyond.
From struggle to strength: Turning eroded soils into a thriving farm
Sarah Tushabomwe and Denis Mwegisire faced poor soil fertility, erosion, and low yields that made it hard to meet their family’s basic needs. With support from the Building Resilience and Inclusive Growth of Highland farming systems for rural Transformation (BRIGHT) project, they adopted soil conservation practices to boost yield and income, making their dream of strengthening their farming enterprise a reality.
Regional launch of the TRANSFORM program to advance soil fertility in Ethiopia
Following its official launch, the Transform Soil Fertility Management in Ethiopia (TRANSFORM) program kicked off regional launch events throughout April. Designed to promote inclusive, participatory soil health solutions, these events engaged government and private sector actors, development partners, and farmers to ensure a clear understanding of the program’s goals and approach.
Clearing Agent
2dThis is very impressive and educative. Thanks alot.
Agricultural Extension, Innovation Systems, Rural Development and Management
6dVery inspiring stories of change. Great work IFDC team and partners.
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1wMerci d’avoir partagé
Agriculture | Mining | Manufacturing | Clean Energy
1wFully agree! We have privatized full implementation of these 3 SDG Goals in our food systems business model at Millercor AG from day 1. Thanks for posting!
Clearing Agent
1wThis is very insightful and impressive.