Present conditions and challenges of fertilizer application by vegetable farmers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Vegetable production in urban and peri-urban areas is one of the most important sources of food supply and provides job opportunities in the value chain. The high annual population growth rate in the urban and peri-urban areas has led to increasing demand for not only staple food crops but also vegetables, especially in developing countries. Optimizing fertilizer application is one of the most effective ways to enhance productivity. This paper presents the results of an interview survey of 69 vegetable farmers focused on fertilizer application in three areas in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The structured interview was conducted by agricultural extension officers from August to October 2021 after the preliminary survey. The results show that farmers cultivate two to seven different crops, with the help of either family members or both family members and employed workers - primarily women, who live in the same or neighbouring village. The farmers apply fertilizers to 64.7% of the cultivars based on their experience and observation of vegetable growth. In terms of purchasing fertilizers, 78.3% of farmers face challenges such as high cost and inaccessibility, especially at the beginning of the rainy season. One plausible reason behind high costs is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the distribution system in the country.