Morocco’s OCP, USAID to work together on Africa’s agricultural development

Morocco’s phosphates and fertilizers giant OCP signed a deal with USAID to work on joint projects focusing on African agricultural development.

The agreement was signed during a visit to University Mohammed VI Polytechnic by Samantha Power, USAID Administrator.

Under the deal, the two parties will work on a project dubbed “Space to Place” that will gather accurate local soil and climate data which will provide the basis for a “Decision Support Tool” to guide farmers on the optimal use of fertilizers.

They also agreed to work together “the Rock Phosphate Amendment Project,” which will evaluate the impact on crop yields and soil fertility of the application of phosphate rock and innovative nutrient formulas based on it.

“This Project will develop a “Phosphate Rock Decisions Support System” to help farmers identify the soils and crops that will most benefit from this approach,” the two sides said in a statement.

In the same vein, OCP Group, through OCP Africa, will invest $30 million to support efficient fertilizer use across sub-Saharan Africa, complementing USAID’s $40 million investment to expand Space to Place, announced at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi on May 7.

“OCP Group is an important partner as we grapple with a very significant global food crisis. The agreement will use geospatial technology to provide farmers on the ground with recommendations on how to more efficiently use fertilizers. It harnesses data to provide real world predictions and solutions to improve yields,” Samantha Power said.

“At OCP Group, we are delighted to deepen our partnership with USAID, collaborating closely on these cutting-edge projects to help unleash the potential of African farmers to feed not only Africa but the world, in ways that aim to enhance soil health, the environment, and the climate,” Mostafa Terrab, OCP CEO, said.