Bio-fertilizers

Farmers face many challenges and constraints in terms of agricultural inputs. Synthetic fertilizers are often difficult for farmers to access or afford and may have low community acceptance. Moreover, knowledge of how to properly and safely apply synthetic inputs is often limiting or confusing. For these reasons, many communities choose natural over synthetic options for managing nutrients. Options using natural and local ingredients include bio-fertilizers that famers make on site. Benefits of bio-fertilizers include the potential for increased resilience to pests and nutrient deficiencies and a sense of empowerment as farmers solve challenges with creative and sometimes simple, on-farm derived techniques that are less costly than synthetic inputs. ECHO resources and training focus on creation and use of bio-fertilizer products that are appropriate for the context in which they are used and that effectively maintain soil and crop health.