Long term use of synthetic fertilisers and insecticides on farms has created both plant-level resistance as well as a degradation at soil, farm and ecosystem levels. Viable organic alternatives have been developed which are specific to both the crops and the ecosystems in which they are to be deployed. If the price point is accessible, African farmers have the opportunity to replace these non-sustainable chemicals products with more effective, crop-specific organic products.

Global Biotek uses their products on three demonstration farms, where participants receive training to run their own farms using their skills and knowledge in biofertilisers and biopesticides. Their farm in Aneho, Togo, will employ 100 women by the end of 2021. The organic inputs used on demonstration farms are a combination of Chabi’s fertilisers, using minerals extracted from weeds, and Urbain’s biopesticide liquide formula, made up of microbes which increase nutrient absorption and prevent pests and disease. To date they have created 19 types of fertiliser, and their products are exceptionally economical: it only takes 10 to 15 litres of Global Biotek’s products for a hectare of cultivation from seed to harvest.

This case study has been created as part of Footprints Africa's work to build a comprehensive open-source database of circular economy initiatives in Africa. We are doing this in collaboration with the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN), as part of our programme to support the circular economy transition in Africa.

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