What Is IFDC's Level of Expertise?

IFDC's staff members specialize in technical assistance to programs, projects, and institutions in the developing countries and the transitional economies of Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. Our staff members have had vast experience in fertilizer-related work in more than 100 countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern and Central Europe.

Our work has ranged from sector studies and long-term planning to the design, implementation, and management of field projects in fertilizer production, development and use of indigenous agrominerals, agribusiness development, agronomic efficiency, policy development, marketing, management information systems, human resource development, and related areas.

We approach each project by discussing and defining the scope of work and objectives with you. A written proposal is then prepared that includes our understanding of the project's objectives; the scope of work; a detailed workplan and schedule; an estimated completion date; resumes of staff assigned to the project; project cost; and method of presenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Each project is headed by a project manager. Staff members with the required technical expertise are chosen for specific tasks; senior staff members participate in all projects. The report containing the conclusions and recommendations presented to the client is developed through the total effort of the team and represents IFDC's best analysis and judgment. Services are provided on a cost reimbursable basis.

What Types of Facilities Does the Center Have?

From its headquarters in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, IFDC conducts its activities in collaboration with national and international organizations throughout the world; thus, the Center has access to a wide variety of facilities worldwide. In addition, the Center's facilities include specialized research laboratories; green- houses; growth chambers; specialized instruments essential for laboratory research; bench-scale and pilot-plant units used in studies such as beneficiation of ores, acidulation, and granulation of fertilizers; training facilities; a technical library; scientific information services; and a word processing center.