Our goal at the Songhai Centre is to isolate, identify, evaluate beneficial bacteria and fungi from degraded soils and those under Songhai’s organic production in West Africa
mass produce, formulate and market them for use as biofertilizers
In 2019, the global biofertilizer market was estimated to be around $1.5 to $1.6 billion USD
OUR PLAN
Sample soil and plant roots from selected sites in West Africa. Sites will include both degraded soils and from our organic production farms
Isolate bacteria and fungi using standard plating techniques
Use latest technologies for DNA sequencing and taxonomic analyses to obtain species identities
Test promising species in the field, experimentally
Select most promising strains for patents/licencing
Develop mass production protocols
Market Biofertilizers
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Modernize laboratory equipment and facilities in microbiology at the Songhai Centre
Bringing latest DNA sequencing and bioinformatics technologies to Benin and West Africa
Enhanced training opportunities for students to obtain training on DNA sequencing and bioinformatics technologies, organic agriculture and biofertilizers in West Africa
New interdisciplinary teams of experts to create synergies that will result in new innovations for West Africa
Create new wealth for West Africans
CONCLUSIONS
Songhai Center aims lead West Africa in agricultural production using organic farming practices and biofertilizers
Biofertilizers will improve the condition of degraded soils in West Africa and enhance current production
The Songhai Centre seeks to make yield gains in its organic farming system that will require a new approach consistent with the principles of organic production.
A project to develop biofertilizers for both the degraded soils and the organic production system at Songhai Centre by isolating and mass producing new beneficial bacterial and fungal strains will provide yield gains
An analysis of laboratory and equipment needs is now complete. This permits the Songhai Centre to proceed on its plan to develop biofertilizers
West Africa will benefit from Songhai Centre’s adoption of new technologies for training of skilled personnel and the new synergies within and among expert teams that will arise as a result of this project
