Dr. Mohamed EL MAZLOUZI, Scientist, Global Phosphorus Institute | In Accra this October, scientists, researchers, policymakers, and farmers’ representatives gathered for the 8th Sustainable Phosphorus Summit (SPS8). The message was clear: getting phosphorus right could redefine Africa’s food future.
Here are the key takeaways from the discussions.
The Scale of Africa’s Agricultural Challenge
Africa’s population will increase from 1.5 billion to 2.5 billion. Yet today most farmers harvest only about a quarter of what their land could produce. Agriculture employs over 60% of the workforce, but the continent still spends more than $ 50 billion a year importing food that could be grown at home.
Soil degradation adds to the problem. Nearly 65% of Africa’s arable land shows signs of degradation, with African soils losing an estimated 40-50 kg of nutrients per hectare per year Without urgent action, climate change could further reduce yield of major crops by up to 80% in some regions.
Phosphorus Deficiency- The hidden Constraint
Among all soil nutrients, phosphorus stood out at SPS8 as Africa’s hidden challenge and opportunity. Over 75% of cultivated African soils are phosphorus-deficient due to natural fixation processes and continuous cropping without adequate replenishment.
As soil scientist Rob Mikkelsen explained, many African soils contain minerals that bind phosphorus, making it unavailable to plants. This means that fertilizers must first satisfy the soil’s binding capacity before becoming accessible to crops.
Farmers apply less than 10 kilograms of phosphorus per hectare each year, compared to 20–45 kg in Asia and developed regions. This difference was highlighted in the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit Declaration (2024) as a critical gap to close.
Research presented by Shamie Zingore (APNI) showed that phosphorus fertilizers often deliver higher yield responses than nitrogen in African soils, a reminder that phosphorus is a primary yield-limiting factor across diverse soil types.
Africa’s Challenge: Rich in Phosphorus, poor in Access
Africa holds some of the world’s largest phosphate rock reserves. Yet, fertilizers remain too expensive for most farmers. The problem is not supply, but physical access.
As Prof. Gerald Steiner (Danube University) noted, phosphate rock are expected to remain plentiful for well over a thousand years, though challenges in transport and market structure still drive-up costs. Better logistics and regional trade integration are essential to bridge this gap.
At the same time, sustainability in mining operations was also highlighted. Prof. Benzaazoua Mostafa from Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) showcased digital mapping as a way to make phosphorus extraction more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Getting More from Every Kilogram: Efficient and Smart Use
Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in Africa is low. Farmers often get less yield for every bag of fertilizer. The Summit emphasized the need for smarter, more precise application.
The “4R” nutrient stewardship (“right source, right rate, right time, right place”) was discussed as a practical approach. Small changes, such as placing fertilizer near roots or applying it at the right stage, can increase efficiency. But success depends on access to soil testing, training, and equipment.
Balanced nutrient management was also stressed. As Dr. Kwame Agyei Frimpong (APNI) stressed, phosphorus must work alongside nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients to achieve meaningful yield gains.
Building System that work for Farmers
Phosphorus management is not only about soil science, it is about markets, finance, and institutions. The SPS8 working group on Africa calls for action on five fronts:
• Better infrastructure: storage facilities, road networks, and logistics to cut transport costs.
• Stronger Cooperatives: To buy input collectively negotiate better deals
• Easier Finance: Microcredit and crop insurance to help smallholder farmers invest on time .
• Quality assurance: Reliable and quality standards to build farmers’ trust in new products.
• Knowledge sharing: Extension services, and digital platforms to disseminate best practices, soil testing results, and customized fertilizer recommendations.
As Vincent Aduramigba-Modupe (Regional Fertilizer Hub for West Africa) reminded participants, progress will require coordinated action across government agencies, private sector actors, and agricultural organizations, aligned with the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (2023-2033).
Tailored solutions to Africa’s Soils
Africa’s soils are very diverse. That means no one- size- fits all approach will work. Site-specific recommendations based on soil mapping and AI-driven models, local testing are essential.
Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM)- combining fertilizers with organic inputs, and management practices- was highlighted as one promising pathway to strengthen both productivity and resilience. As Andre Bationo (IFDC) emphasized, healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming.
Linking Nutrients, Climate, and Water
Nutrients don’t act in isolation. Climate and moisture strongly influence how plants absorb phosphorus. Droughts and erratic rains reduce nutrient mobility, making climate-smart nutrient management and approach very vital.
Participants called for affordable irrigation solutions and climate-resilient crop varieties to ensure phosphorus programs succeed under a changing climate.
Governance and policies that connect the Dots
Many African countries still treat soil fertility, environment and agriculture as separate policy areas.
SPS8 experts called for integrated phosphorus management frameworks that link fertilizer access with restauration and environmental protection. Countries are encouraged to align national strategies with Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action plan to ensure coordination and accountability.
The road Ahead
With 60% of the world’s unused arable land, Africa stands at the center of the global food future. SPS8 made it clear that phosphorus is high leverage entry point for achieving food security, climate resilience and economic growth.
As participants, the Global Phosphorus Institute emphasized the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with food system resilience. Many participants recognized that the food security dimension of sustainable phosphorus management deserves greater attention, especially for developing countries.
Addressing soil fertility and ensuring that farmers can access and use phosphorus efficiently are not competing priorities. They are complementary pillars of sustainability. As Africa works to restore its soils and protect its ecosystems, integrating food security more centrally into future discussions will be essential to translate science into tangible benefits for people.
As one speaker concluded, “Africa’s green revolution will be won or lost in the soil.” Sustainable phosphorus management is not just about chemistry, it’s about people, food, and the planet.
At the Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI), we are committed to turning these insights into action, through science, policy, and partnerships that put phosphorus at the heart of Africa’s agricultural transformation.
The next Sustainable Phosphorus Summit (SPS9) will take place in Japan in 2027 or 2028, led by Kazuyo Matsubae (Tohoku University). In the meantime, the African research and policy community will advance the SPS8 Action Plan, generating evidence, building capacity, and demonstrating scalable solutions for sustainable phosphorus management across Africa.