Constraints to Increased Fertiliser Use in Developing Countries and Means to Overcome Them

This paper sums up the 18-year experience of the FAO Fertiliser Programme in promoting fertiliser use, distribution and credit in over 40 developing countries. Its sources of data extends to a number of world-wide surveys given with detailed figures.

The main factors limiting fertiliser use are listed as 1) lack of fertilisers at farm site, 2) lack of knowledge about correct crop fertilisation at research, extension and farm levels, 3) unfavourable price relationship between fertiliser and farm produce, 4) shortage of credit, and a number of associated limiting factors.

Action taken by FAO to remedy the situation is detailed; the conclusion is optimistic: all over the world the farmer is profit-minded and correct fertiliser use is a quick way to achieve profit in agriculture given a favourable input/output price relationship.