A significant step towards providing sub-Saharan smallholders with a cost-effective alternative to expensive artificial nitrogen fertiliser has been made by British agri-biotech company, Legume Technology. The company, based in Nottinghamshire, has been awarded a £2.15 million grant from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The grant aims to support the development of microbial biofertiliser technology, making it an affordable and accessible agricultural input for small-scale agricultural producers (SSPs) in Africa.
By harnessing natural microbes that fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, this innovation has the potential to increase smallholder yields sustainably, positively impacting millions of families across the region.
“These farmers face many challenges,” said Dr Bruce Knight, co-founder and managing director of Legume Technology.
“The most significant is access to nitrogen fertilisers, which are often too expensive and environmentally harmful. Our project focuses on finding natural solutions that can work with non-legume crops like maize, millets, sorghum, and cassava.”
Legume Technology’s research will involve collaboration with international research institutes, universities, and innovation centres to identify and test bacterial strains known for their nitrogen-fixation capabilities. The University of Nottingham will screen these strains, with the best-performing ones being further evaluated by the James Hutton Institute. Field trials will follow to validate the lab findings.
In addition to research, the grant will fund the development of specialised packaging for SSP products, ensuring the biofertilisers remain effective and affordable for smallholders. Knight emphasised the importance of this packaging, especially in regions where small farm sizes make traditional bulk packaging impractical.
“This project will not only improve the availability and quality of biofertilisers but also raise awareness among farmers about the benefits of these products,” Knight added. “It’s a simple but transformative initiative that promises to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability across Africa.”
The grant will also enable the construction of a new packaging line at Legume Technology’s factory in East Bridgford. The innovative “Micropack” design, likened to a crisp packet, will be easy to transport and maintain the quality of the live microbes inside, potentially transforming the agricultural landscape for African smallholders.
“We’re delighted with this grant and the opportunities it provides,” Knight concluded. “It’s a complete win-win project, improving crop productivity without environmental side effects, and helping to secure the future of agriculture in Africa.”
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