Advancement and practical applications of rhizobacterial biofertilizers for sustainable crop production in sub-Saharan Africa
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Date
2021-12-13
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
Agricultural intensification continues in Africa in attempts to meet the rising food demands of the equally rising
population. However, most arable lands in the region are characterized by nutrient deficiency and over-reliance on
synthetic fertilizers which consequently contributes to increased production costs, environmental pollution, and
global warming. Decades of research on plant–rhizobacterial interactions have led to the formulation and commer-
cialization of rhizobacterial biofertilizers globally for sustainable soil and crop health. Nevertheless, this promising
technology has not received much attention in Africa and remains largely unexplored due to several constraints. This
article discusses the practical applications of rhizobacterial biofertilizers for sustainable crop production in sub-Saha-
ran Africa. The challenges of soil infertility and the use of conventional synthetic fertilizers in crop production in Africa
are critically evaluated. An overview of the potential of rhizobacteria as biofertilizers and alternatives to synthetic
fertilizers for soil fertility and crop productivity in the continent is also provided. The advantages that these biofertiliz-
ers present over their synthetic counterparts and the status of their commercialization in the African region are also
assessed. Finally, the constraints facing their formulation, commercialization, and utilization and the prospects of this
promising technology in the region are deliberated upon. Such knowledge is valuable towards the full exploitation
and adoption of this technology for sustainable agriculture for Africa’s food security.
Sustainable Development Goals
This research article was published by BioMed Central in 2021
Keywords
Biofertilizers, Sustainable agriculture, Soil fertility, Rhizobacteria