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African agriculture won’t thrive on fertiliser subsidies but working markets, according to leading researchers and policy analysts who say the continent must urgently rethink its approach to boosting farm productivity. While subsidies have long been used to make fertilisers more affordable, new evidence suggests they often distort markets, crowd out private investment, and fail to deliver sustainable gains for smallholder farmers.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, governments have poured billions into fertiliser subsidy programmes over the past two decades. These efforts were intended to increase yields, improve food security, and reduce poverty. However, studies show that while subsidies may offer short-term relief, they rarely lead to long-term improvements in soil health, farmer incomes, or market efficiency.
In countries like Malawi, Kenya, and Nigeria, subsidised fertiliser has displaced commercial sales, weakened agrodealer networks, and created logistical bottlenecks. In some cases, up to 50% of subsidised fertiliser was diverted or resold illegally, undermining the very farmers the programmes were meant to support.
Experts argue that the real solution lies in building robust, transparent, and inclusive fertiliser markets. This means investing in infrastructure, enforcing quality standards, and promoting digital tools that help farmers make informed decisions. Mobile ordering platforms, geospatial mapping, and soil diagnostics can ensure fertilisers are applied efficiently and tailored to local conditions.
Joel Thibaut Konan, a specialist at the Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism, says the continent must shift from blanket subsidies to smarter, targeted support. “We need to empower farmers with knowledge, not just inputs,” he said. “Subsidies should be temporary and strategic—not permanent fixtures in agricultural policy.”
One promising approach is the use of digital soil information systems (DSIS), which combine satellite imagery, sensors, and analytics to guide fertiliser application. These tools help farmers avoid overuse, reduce environmental damage, and maximise yields. Governments are also being urged to support the development of bio-based and organic fertilisers, which are more sustainable and better suited to Africa’s diverse soils.
Another key recommendation is to strengthen public-private partnerships. By working with fertiliser producers, distributors, and tech firms, governments can expand access to quality inputs while reducing costs. This includes building rural storage hubs, improving transport networks, and supporting local blending facilities that tailor fertiliser formulas to regional needs.
Education is also critical. Farmers need training on how to select, apply, and manage fertilisers effectively. Extension services, cooperatives, and NGOs can play a vital role in spreading best practices and promoting integrated nutrient management, combining organic and inorganic inputs to maintain soil fertility over time.
The African Union’s Malabo Declaration and the earlier Abuja Declaration both called for increased fertiliser use, but progress has been uneven. While some countries have made strides in reforming policies and boosting consumption, many still lack coherent strategies and rely on ad hoc programmes that fail to deliver consistent results.
As Africa’s population surges toward 2.5 billion by 2050, the pressure to feed its people will only intensify. Climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity are compounding the challenge. Experts say that without functioning markets and smarter fertiliser use, the continent risks falling further behind in its quest for agricultural transformation.
The message is clear: subsidies alone won’t fix Africa’s farming woes. It’s time to invest in systems that work, empower farmers with data, and build markets that deliver—not just inputs, but impact.