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| IFDC, WAFA, AfricaFertilizer.org issue weekly trade updates in response to pandemic in West Africa
IFDC, WAFA, and AfricaFertilizer.org are joining forces to launch the West Africa COVID-19 Fertilizer Watch. This weekly bulletin will provide fertilizer value chain stakeholders with up-to-date information on how the global pandemic is affecting fertilizer and agro-input trade in the region, and agricultural production in 2020 and later.
Learn more about the Fertilizer Watch and how you can subscribe for updates.
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| | What is the Fertilizer Watch?
IFDC, WAFA, AfricaFertilizer.org and other partners are working to ensure that fertilizers and other agricultural inputs are not limited, but rather supported, by governments’ decisions, so that they can continue to reach farmers in time for the growing season.
The Fertilizer Watch is designed to provide weekly updates to stakeholders using data collected around 10 indicators. These indicators are related to a variety of information such as the spread of COVID-19, measures taken by country governments, and logistical constraints that affect fertilizer flows. The goal is a well-informed and prepared fertilizer supply chain, where actors can use the information to plan accordingly and ensure consistent delivery to farmers.
Current Highlights
- Fertilizer is officially recognized as an essential commodity in Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. Advocacy efforts of the West Africa Fertilizer Association (WAFA) and national associations in these countries led governments to include agro-inputs in essential commodities that can move despite restrictions.
- Port operations in Dakar, Abidjan, and Lomé are impacted by curfew hours, but without major congestion. Quarantine measures apply to some vessels. All these factors will delay the supply of fertilizer in coastal and landlocked countries.
- Road transport is operating below normal rates and requires special authorization to move from region to region in several countries (i.e., Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana). Curfews add to the severe risks of delays as the crisis develops.
- Cross-border trade is functional in general but with increased delays and the need for additional authorizations.
- Agro-input shops are open for business and still deliver agro-inputs to farmers in all 15 ECOWAS Member States, with a few exceptions in regions and cities heavily affected by COVID-19.
To download the Fertilizer Watch and the full country reports in English and French, visit our website. |
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