Hello,
I have the following opinion as far as CoCoFe is concerned.
This online consultation, through a series of questions, invites you to address the following: · Given the global scope of the CoCoFe, do you think the objectives are appropriate? If not, how would you add to them or modify them?
The objectives are appropriate. These objectives may not relevant for all participating countries. So, country by country prioritization of the objectives is important.
How should be the CoCoFe be structured to have the maximum positive impact?
Learning from other countries strength/weakness and incorporate the impacts to convince officials will have sustainable impact by advising the agricultural departments or ministries or national agricultural research system in a country.
Who would be the best audience for the CoCoFe to meet our objectives and how could we broaden and diversify this audience to increase its influence?
There could conflict of interest bringing different stakeholders in this kind of structure. The member should be neutral public organizations funded by the public and responsible for the whole society. Researchers including extension and policy makers might be enough as member of the CoCoFe.
What should the scope of the CoCoFe be? Which nutrient input sources should be included; only synthetic fertilizers, or also manure, biosolids, compost, etc.? Should other products such as bio-stimulants, nitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors, etc., be included as well?
Nutrient sources should be based on country by country case. Nutrient recycling should be encouraged first if available. Energy source is required to use compost and biosolids. The use of inhibitors needs more research since their effectiveness depends on several factors.
Will the CoCoFe assist in promoting responsible and judicious use of fertilizers? Why or why not? What other suggestions do you have to help the CoCoFe meet our objectives?
I believe it can contribute for judicious use of fertilizers through research and extension. Availing credit and determining minimum price for crop yields particularly in developing countries will help for better use of fertilizer that can contribute to feed the world and enhance carbon sequestration. There is experience when farmers grow same crop and produce more yield per ha but at the end of the day the price of the produce was not able to cover the cost. This can discourage use of inputs and starvation on the next season. There should be something in this line how farmers can get profit and cover their cost to encourage them to use inputs sustainably.
Thank you letting me participate in an effort to feed the people and to protect the environment.
Yesuf
Yesuf Mohammed