Use of Fertilizer is 'Necessity to Feed Growing Population': Ethiopian Economist

Use of Fertilizer is 'Necessity to Feed Growing Population': Ethiopian Economist
To address rising hunger amid Africa’s rapid population growth, fertilizer use is not optional but essential, Agricultural and Development Economist Shimelis Araya told Sputnik Africa, noting that fertilizers are critical for increasing crop yields and driving nearly 90% of agricultural productivity gains.
The statement comes in the context of Ethiopia's recent $3 billion agreement with Aliko Dangote to construct a large-scale fertilizer plant.
Ethiopia's fertilizer use significantly lags behind neighboring nations, hindering agricultural productivity due to costly imports, the economist said. He emphasized that local production to provide affordable, timely supplies while overcoming past failures caused by lack of funding, expertise, and infrastructure.
Araya also raised concerns about external resistance to such investments, hinting some parties may profit from Africa's persistent poverty.
Local production would:
🟠cut reliance on unstable global prices;
🟠slash transport costs and logistical challenges;
🟠boost agricultural output and save foreign currency;
🟠position Ethiopia as a future fertilizer exporter.
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