Phosphate Fertilizer Production Technology Workshop - 2007

“I have gained a significant amount of technical knowledge and good technical reference.”

Craig Hendry, Ravensdown Fertilizer Cooperative Limited, New Zealand  

Agro-Input Marketing and Dealer Development Workshop - 2007

“The usefulness of the course was beyond my expectations, especially learning about the

experiences of those in other countries whose agro-dealer networks are much more advanced. It has been a big inspiration for me and I am already working on the lessons learned.”

Tertula Swai, Participatory Agricultural Development and Empowerment Project (PADEP), Tanzania

“The workshop was indeed good and helped in cementing our objectives of developing a network of trained dealers in order to increase access to inputs and produce markets for smallholder farmers in Malawi.”  

Fredric John Kawalewale, Executive Director, Agri-Input Suppliers Association of Malawi (AISAM), Malawi 

“I received very positive feedback from the three CATALIST staff and two private sector folks. They universally thought that the training, both in content and presentation, was excellent.  As a matter of fact, my national coordinator from Rwanda said that the business partner of one of the input supplier participants spoke so knowledgably about the training course that one would have thought that he attended as well! A classic case of the multiplier effect!”

Geoffrey Livingston, Project Leader, Catalyze Accelerated Agricultural Intensification for Social and Environmental Stability (CATALIST) Project in Central Africa’s Great Lakes Region

Nitrogen Fertilizer Production Technology Workshop - 2007

“The three of us would like to thank all the IFDC staff for their perfect organization of the IFDC Nitrogen Production Technology Workshop in Trinidad and Tobago.  The days were busy but very productive and helpful. We've brought home really valuable information and contacts for our future business activities.”

Larysa Gora, Technical Department, Odessa Port Plant (OPP), Ukraine

2004 Programs

Comments from participants at the Regulatory program in Pretoria

The participants and co-sponsors were pleased with the content and arrangements. They said the workshop accomplished the objectives, provided practical and relevant information, and spurred further action on agri-input regulatory reform and development.

• On the written evaluations at the end of the training, participants scored the program as Very Good (i.e., an average of 4 on scale of 5).
• “The speakers demonstrated expertise in the subject matter and understanding of the context in which the participants operate.”
• “The presentations on regional harmonization efforts expanded dialogue, provided opportunities for sharing lessons, and expressed appreciation of the potential for progress.”
• “The examples of the successful South African trade associations, functioning regulatory systems, and effective testing laboratories and systems provided useful models and opened doors for new relationships to learn from South Africa.”

 2003 Programs

I found the program held in Mauritius very interesting, and I would love the opportunity to have IFDC conduct a similar program for our commercial organization.

                                                                Fernando Mata, Domestic Sales Manager

                                                                Profertil SA, Argentina

This was a very well delivered course and the plant visits were exceptional.

                                                                Stephen Evenwell, Production Manager

                                                                SASOL Nitro (SA), South Africa

2002 Programs

Thank you very much for the excellent job.  I certainly would and, in fact, already have recommended to some of my colleagues that they attend your programs.  Thanks for your efforts to improve agricultural output all over the world.

                                           Ismaiel Al-Hosayen, Urea Sales Executive

                                           Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), Saudi Arabia

2001 Programs

Overall the program was excellent of all the programs I have attended so far.

                                                                A.M. Ismail, Company Director

                                                                MLS ETA Lanka Ltd., Sri Lanka

This course has been great in all aspects and has been very cost effective.

                                                                Patrick C.C. Chirwa, Managing Director

                                                                STC Group, Malawi

1999 Programs

This course is a huge success because we have actually acquired some extra knowledge.  Also, different people in the fertilizer world and I shared our different experiences.

                                                                     Eugri Emmanuel Kwaya, Project Manager

                                                                     Scentom Fertilizer Blending Plant, Nigeria

This course has been just what the doctor ordered for me and gives me the tools for my further research.

                                 Dr. A.L. du Pisani, Senior Agricultural Researcher

                                 Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Rural Development Namibia

I found the program most helpful, especially regarding the way businesses were conducting
operations.  My goal was to pick up as much information regarding technology and marketing of agricultural services.  I have most certainly achieved this.

                                                                                Wes Wheelhouse, Manager

                                                                                Wheelhouse Fertilizers, Australia

Overall, I think this program has been an excellent one.  We have learned much and have gained enough knowledge in a small period of time. We also appreciate the cooperation by the IFDC staff in different matters and thank them sincerely for their efforts in making the program a successful one.

                                                                      Fara Azmat, Senior Assistant Secretary

                                                                      Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh

NPK Workshop 1998—"I wish to thank all the people of IFDC who arranged the wonderful seminar; it was an honor to participate. My visit to the United States and participation in the seminar gave me a wide perspective on NPK fertilizer and some very interesting ideas that I intend to apply."

Plant Nutrient Management 1998—"I should thank IFDC for their untiring attempt to help the people engaged in agri-production, extension, and research, especially for the developing countries."

Fertilizer Marketing 1998—"The program has been well conceived, organized, and conducted. Accommodations, travel and guest relationships have been handled extremely well. The IFDC staff was always available to solve problems and take care of the participants’ requirements. It was a good learning experience and more than this, a good program that has helped us to build up a good fellowship."

"The marketing program (in Bangkok) was excellent, informative, and conducted in a professional way."

Fertilizer Marketing 1997—"I really appreciate the program and have learned a lot during these four weeks. I would like to congratulate the staff for the excellent job that you are doing at IFDC to help improve the agriculture in developing countries."

Fertilizer Marketing, South Africa, 1997—"The training program was most educative and aimed at improving individual skills, which is what I take back home at the end of this program today. Most thankful to IFDC and FSSA for this rare opportunity and sincerely hope IFDC will continue offering these programs in the future."

Fertilizer Distribution and Handling 1996—"On an overall basis the program was very good. It opened the various avenues of learning and broadened the vision. This program has also provided the opportunity to observe, discuss, evaluate, implement new techniques, and improve working effectively and efficiently."

Advances in Agricultural Production and Fertilization 2000—"Our hosts were great and made sure that everyone in the group mixed together. They were well organized and arranged daily visits and activities in a professional manner. Thanks for another great tour by IFDC."