Fertilizer use on smallholder farms in Eastern Province, Zambia

This study, conducted in Eastern province, Zambia,looks at farmer's practicesregarding use of fertilizer and analyzes the role of fertilizers in the transition from subsistence farming to a more commercialized agriculture. The study is based on data collected from 330 households and several issues like response of crops to fertilizer application, adoption and fertilizer usepractices, farmers' access to fertilizer, determinants of fertilizer use are discussed. Some important policy conclusions that envisaged from the findings are addressed. The study shows that use of fertilizer on traditional varieties can also be a catalyst for agricultural growth