Framework and Initial Analyses of Fertilizer Profitability in Maize and Cotton in Zambia
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Inorganic fertilizers will play a role in government programs, but whether or not a
single policy is valuable for all farmers depends upon the net gain for the farmers. The research
here seeks to demonstrate how to answer the question “Is fertilizer profitable in Zambia for
maize and cotton in the smallholder sector?” This study identifies the key components determining
profitability and then sets up a framework to evaluate the probability of farmers to obtain
profitable results with fertilizer use on maize and cotton. Several cases are selected and the
results are evaluated. Private profitability for the farmer at market prices is discussed,
leaving social profitability to other researchers. A simple method for farmers and extensionists
to use to assess a fertilizer investment is given, to assist in more site specific analysis,
given prices and environment.