Welcome to the second issue of Growing Africa for 2025. This edition spotlights phosphorus management, featuring insights from APNI’s session “Enhancing Global Phosphorus Efficiency along the Mining–Use–Recovery Pathway” at the 8th Sustainable Phosphorus Summit (SPS8) in Accra, Ghana. International experts shared science-based strategies for sustainable phosphorus use across Africa.
We also present field research aligned with our core themes of precision plant nutrition, soil health for improved livelihoods, and climate & weather-smart plant nutrition for resilience. Highlights include:
- A Moroccan study on optimizing fertilizer under deficit irrigation to sustain olive yields and improve oil quality.
- Tanzanian research on zinc fertilization in rice systems to combat hidden hunger and strengthen food security.
- Malawian work on legume-based intercropping and residue management to restore nitrogen dynamics and reduce fertilizer dependence in drought-prone regions.
This issue celebrates innovation through EXCEL Africa, APNI’s awards and grants program, showcasing graduate and early-career research—from cassava nutrition in C.te d’Ivoire to climate-smart soil management in Ethiopia. It’s an inspiring cohort that reflects well on the ongoing commitment and growing capacity to address the key challenges faced by African agriculture.
Our GrowthCharts series returns with a global view of maize intensification versus extensification, and we announce winners of the Annual Photo Contest.
Join us in advancing science-driven solutions for African agriculture! Submission guidelines are available at https://growingafrica.pub/about, or contact our team directly.
Sincerely,
Gavin Sulewski
Senior Editor & Communications Lead
