Iran war forces farmers to seek fertilizer alternatives from cow dung to compost
Summary
The war involving Iran has caused a sharp rise in fertilizer prices worldwide, affecting farmers far from the conflict zone, including in Senegal. Many farmers are turning to natural alternatives like cow dung and compost because chemical fertilizers have become too expensive and hard to find.Key Facts
- The war in Iran began on February 28, and since then fertilizer prices have increased by about 40%.
- Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted natural gas supplies, a key ingredient in making chemical fertilizers.
- The Gulf region produces 30% of the world's traded chemical fertilizer.
- The World Bank reports global fertilizer prices have gone up by 50%.
- Senegal imports 125,000 tons of chemical fertilizer every year, but supplies are now harder for farmers to access.
- Some farmers, like Abou Sow in Senegal, stopped using chemical fertilizers years ago and now use organic compost made from animal manure.
- Experts say using organic fertilizers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent pollution caused by chemical fertilizers.
- The Senegal agriculture minister says the government has secured enough fertilizer for the season, but farmers still face shortages and high costs.
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