CABI and ICGEB Launch Nature-Based Microbial Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture Project in Zambia

Strategic Insights -

The project, spearheaded by CABI and ICGEB, aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices in Zambia by commercializing a biofertilizer called VH Biofertiliser. This innovative approach is designed to improve soil health and crop productivity for smallholder farmers, addressing the region's pressing issues of soil degradation, drought, and over-reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Through this collaboration, the project seeks to bridge the gap between research and implementation, making the VH Biofertiliser a certified product accessible to farmers nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nature-Based Microbial Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture (NAMSSA) project is a partnership between CABI and ICGEB, supported by funding from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
  • The project aims to commercialize VH Biofertiliser, a biofertilizer produced from locally sourced organic materials, to improve soil health and enhance crop productivity for smallholder farmers.
  • VH Biofertiliser is designed to bridge the gap in the agricultural sector by providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
  • The project has supported the development of VH Biofertiliser, including the creation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a technical dossier for registration with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
  • The project team has worked closely with Exotic Green Power Enterprises Limited (EGPE) to document the production process, develop SOPs, and conduct laboratory testing to ensure the product meets regulatory standards.
  • NAMSSA plans to expand VH Biofertiliser's adoption in Zambia and beyond, with the team reviewing data requirements for potential future registration in countries like Kenya and Benin.

Statistics:

  • 15 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been developed for VH Biofertiliser production.
  • 3 batches of VH Biofertiliser have been produced and monitored during fermentation and maturity stages, with samples collected for laboratory analysis.
  • 100% of farmers who used VH Biofertiliser reported improvement in soil structure, increased biological activity, and enhanced crop yields.

Sources:

  • "CABI and ICGEB Launch Nature-Based Microbial Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture Project in Zambia." CABI Press Release, 2022.
  • "VH Biofertiliser: A Sustainable Solution for Soil Health and Crop Productivity in Zambia." CABI Technical Report, 2022.
  • "NAMSSA: Nature-Based Microbial Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture Project." ICGEB Website.