The Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada and Fertilizer Canada have partnered to advance sustainable agriculture in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal as part of the 4R Solution Project. The project is supported by Global Affairs Canada and focuses on the incorporation of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship (Right Source @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place®) into fertilizer management practices in order to increase incomes for over 80,000 smallholder farmers.
“Fertilizer Canada is pleased to be partnering with CDF Canada and the Government of Canada to facilitate knowledge transfer and implementation of 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal,” said Garth Whyte, Fertilizer Canada President and CEO. “4R Nutrient Stewardship is a Canadian innovation, however, it is easily adaptable to local soil conditions, making this project ideal for adoption by smallholder farmers to increase crop yields and profitability.”
“For over seven decades, CDF Canada’s work has translated the generosity and values of Canadian co-operatives and credit unions into sustainable socio-economic opportunities for people around the world.” said Benoit Andre, Executive Director of CDF Canada. “We are very pleased to partner with Fertilizer Canada and Global Affairs Canada to advance a sustainable and resilient agriculture that creates new opportunities for the farmers of Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal.” Canada has a network of 8,500 cooperatives that have engaged internationally for more than 70 years through CDF Canada.
“Improving the socio-economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, particularly women, is the core of the Government of Canada’s efforts to enhance prosperity in Sub-Saharan countries,” said the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “With this project, our government is providing $15 million of funding to bring a Canadian innovation in agriculture – 4R Nutrient Stewardship best management practices – and the development expertise of the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada to address food security and economic wellbeing of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal.”