As part of the investment in rhizobiology research and inoculant production in the different N2Africa countries, N2Africa recently facilitated the replacement of a 33 year old autoclave at the government inoculant factory in Marondera, Zimbabwe.
The Soil Productivity and Research Laboratory (SPRL) under the government Department of Research and Specialist Services is renowned in sub-Saharan Africa for their long-term research efforts in rhizobiology and inoculant production. Within the N2Africa project SPRL’s capacity has been enhanced through training of staff and upgrade of their research facilities in the laboratory and greenhouse.
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Left: Front side: Zvomuya Munyaradzi, manager production facility Right: Back side: Mr. Chingwa Mupambi |
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In addition, the team at DR&SS with funding from the N2Africa project, is developing an updated production and distribution strategy to ensure better access to high quality inoculant for smallholder farmers in the communal areas of Zimbabwe.
These collaborative efforts should lead to increased production of legumes to allow smallholder farmers to generate income and improve their nutrition.
Judith de Wolf, N2Africa, Zimbabwe