The International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) and the ECOWAS Investment and Development Bank (EBID) are firmly committed to combining their efforts to enhance soils in West Africa.

In this dynamic, the two parties proceeded in early December, to the signing of an agreement aimed at promoting the growth and development of the agricultural sector in this region. Under this agreement, IFDC will work with EBID to support the mapping of soil fertility in ECOWAS countries and the implementation of the Agricultural and Investment Program in this area.

In addition, IFDC and EBID will pool their resources to support ECOWAS countries in their efforts to import fertilizers and inputs. This is in line with soil mapping programs, to support a sustained increase in productivity, profitability and resilience of smallholder farming systems in West Africa.

Similarly, EBID will cooperate with IFDC to provide advisory support to the ECOWAS Agriculture Commission for the launch of the Agriculture and Investment Program in this region. The bank will carry out the mandate of the West African Association of Fertilizer Professionals (WAFA) relating to the mobilization of financing and assistance to members of the Association in the context of projects.

IFDC's Regional Director for North and West Africa, Oumou CAMARA, said, "This collaboration represents a great step forward in supporting smallholders in the region." This agreement will allow them to access and use appropriate fertilizers and inputs, and thus contribute to improving the quality of regional soils. This will have the effect of ensuring a sustainable increase in crop productivity, agricultural incomes and food and nutritional security.

For his part, the Vice-President of EBID, Mr. Mabouba DIAGNE, declared that "the improvement of the agricultural sector in ECOWAS member countries is one of the five priority areas for EBID financing for the four coming years ". Although, he points out, fertilizer consumption in West Africa represents 2% of global consumption, the rate of fertilizer use in the region remains low. This situation is linked to logistical challenges, notably the dependence on imports which may or may not be adapted to the different soils of the region.

ABOUT IFDC

IFDC is an independent, non-profit organization that operates in 17 Asian and African countries. By combining science-driven innovations, a supportive policy environment, holistic market systems development and strategic partnerships, the organization bridges the gaps between identifying and scaling sustainable agricultural solutions.

This improves household food security and increases the livelihoods of families around the world.

Through an inclusive approach, IFDC embraces local solutions that are green, efficient, and supportive of local, regional, and national development.

ABOUT EBID

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) is a leading regional investment and development bank, based in Lomé, Togolese Republic.

Over the past four decades, EBID has invested approximately USD 2.8 billion in inter- and intra-regional development programs.

This covers various initiatives in the areas of infrastructure and basic equipment, rural development and the environment, industry, and in the social and service sectors.

EBID interventions take the form of long, medium and short-term loans, equity investments, lines of credit, refinancing activities, operations and financial engineering services.