This report documents the findings of an evaluation study of the impacts of N2Africa, a ten-year ‘research-in-development’ project that aimed to harness nitrogen fixation for the benefit of small-scale farmers of legume crops. The study analysed N2Africa’s contribution to development outcomes using the methodology of process tracing as a structured way of critically reviewing the change process.

Increasing land pressure and soil degradation, together with the limited availability of fertilizers, labour, equipment and technology, keeps production efficiency low for smallholder farmers. Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most farmed crop in Ethiopia, because it is seen as ideal food and cash crop, and is therefore cultivated throughout the country, in various agro-ecologies and socio-economic circumstances. Potentially, maize yield can be increased through the integration of legumes in the cropping system.

With an increasing  population, food production also needs to increase in Uganda. However, continuous crop cultivation and a low use of external inputs is expected to cause nutrient depletion resulting in diminishing crop yields. Nitrogen is an important nutrient for crop growth and is commonly limiting agricultural production.