Smallholder Perspectives on Soil Fertility Management and Markets in the African Green Revolution

Abstract

The African Green Revolution (AGR) describes a drive by governments and international philanthropic and research organizations to raise agricultural production through Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) and improved access to input and output markets. This article draws on data from three studies that took place in Northern Ghana as the AGR unfolded between 2008 and 2012, focusing specifically on soil fertility management (SFM) and access to credit markets. It finds that the AGR idea does incorporate some elements farmers find useful, indeed, that they are implementing autonomously, such as use of organic soil amendments. However, the underpinning emphasis on commercialization does not allow room for them to practice site-specific SFM and subsistence mechanisms that they have developed as responses to risk. Some aspects of the AGR are themselves disadvantageous, for example repayment of credit at harvest time, the emphasis on inorganic fertilizer and land titling schemes. Despite advocating farmer choice, the current hegemonic implementation of the AGR makes it unlikely to support farmers’ sustainable agroecological practice.