West Africa fertilizer study, v. 6 : Chad

In response, USAID requested the International Development Center to determine the region"s capacity to produce, market and use fertilizer. A series of documents (of which this report on Chad is a part) resulted from that assessment. Topics covered include population, food production, current marketing and use of fertilizers and crop yeild responses to specific fertilizers. Thirty-one statistical tables corresponding to these topics are provided, including cost/price and value/cost rations. The authors recommend implementation of a concentrated soil fertility project (in liasion with current research and extension groups) to determine crop responses to fertilizer nutrients, especially phosphate rock on small and medium-sized farms. An aerial radiometrics study of the Bahr-er-Ghazel area should be made to determine the most promising areas to prospect for phosphate rock. The authors also recommend establishing a low-technology, bulk-blending facility which utilizes imported granular fertilizers. In addition, agricultural research should be strengthened particularly that focussing on adapting varieties, defining appropriate plant associations and rotations, and solving the symbiotic weed problem in sorghum and millet. Publications (both French and English) used in preparing the report are referenced. Appendices on the following subjects are also included: Projected Fertilizer Consumption for Crops for 1978-1985, Fertilizer Raw Material Deposits and Recommend Projects.