<article><p class="lead">The International Fertilizer Development Centre's (IFDC) latest <i>Covid-19 Fertilizer Watch</i> says the overall impact on supply and distribution of restrictions in east and southern Africa is not significant. </p><p>But there is concern that limited demand in the coming season caused by uncertainty in export and domestic markets will create cash flow constraints in the on-farm sector.</p><p>There have been no reported fertilizer shortages, barring some minor problems with containerised supply, although now is not the region's major fertilizer-consuming season. There has been a small impact on demand in Uganda because of the shutdown of public transport.</p><p>Tanzania is contending with border closures imposed by its neighbours — most recently Zambia, with Kenya considering measures — because of concerns about truck drivers spreading the virus. </p><p>Ports still require isolation periods and restrictions on crew changes, but quarantine requirements at certain South African ports have been eased. Ports continue to operate on reduced shifts — one third operational on a 15-day cycle — and with modified working arrangements. Quayside bagging has been banned at Kenya's Mombasa, but this has improved efficiency.</p><p>There are some problems with container freight availability. On the roads, reduced copper freight continues to impact the viability of back freight out of copper-exporting ports such as Durban and Dar es Salaam. Kenya is undertaking driver testing prior to dispatch at Mombasa and mandatory testing at designated truck stops.</p><p>At border crossings, measures range from preventing entry of drivers — Rwanda, for example requires relay drivers to transport goods internally — to complete closures. Testing at crossings is increasing, but with the exact measures ranging depending on the country from where goods originate — from isolation at border post, to escorted mandatory isolation, to simply temperature testing.</p><p>In most countries, fertilizer associations and private-sector companies continue to work with government officials to ensure distribution efficiency.</p><p class="bylines">By Mike Nash</p></article>
