This book takes forward our understanding of agricultural input subsidies in low income countries.

The good practice guidelines - which form the basis of an interactive policymaker's tool kit included on a CD accompanying the book - relate not only to the more focused problem of encouraging increased fertilizer use by farmers, but also to the broader challenge of creating the type of enabling environment that is needed to support the emergence of efficient, dynamic and commercially viable fertilizer marketing systems."--Jacket.

The rapid response of the agricultural sector to increased crop prices indicates that it is able to meet the world's overall food requirements. The problem lies more in the distribution of the agricultural output and the economic inability of a segment of the population to satisfy basic requirements. This document presents guidelines for governments on the development of fertiliser strategies. It illustrates the difference before and after the involvement of the private sector and offers solutions for improvement. The role of fertilisers in the development of agriculture is discussed with practical suggestions for decision-makers regarding production and import. The many issues involved in the efficient distribution and marketing of fertilisers are presented, together with an institutional framework for the integration of all the aspects into a comprehensive policy. There is a useful glossary.

This book is designed for undergraduate and graduate students taking courses related to agricultural policy, agricultural economics, or rural development in developing countries.

This symposium organised by the International Rice Institute concentrate on the P requirement to optimize food and fiber production in the main rice-growing areas of the world using Asia and Oceanic data in a regional case study. Research gaps and needs are discussed