Farming context: Comoros
Comoros fertilizer estimates use the selected crop, field, soil and product assumptions from the KM agriculture dataset. Check local conditions before applying national averages.
| Agriculture share of GDP | ~35% |
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| Arable land | 80,000 ha |
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| Irrigated share | ~1% |
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| Main food crops | cassava, banana, rice, coconut, sweet potato |
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| Main export crops | vanilla, clove, ylang ylang |
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Country context from the AfroTools agriculture dataset - planning reference, not agronomic advice. Confirm with local extension services.
Fertilizer Use in Comoros
The Comoros archipelago, located in the Mozambique Channel between Madagascar and Mozambique, has a small agricultural sector focused on vanilla, ylang-ylang, cloves, and food crops grown on volcanic soils. Agriculture employs about 80% of the population, but arable land is extremely limited across the three main islands (Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli). Fertilizer consumption is minimal, estimated at under 1,500 tonnes annually. The volcanic soils are naturally fertile in some areas but suffer from erosion on steep slopes. Most farming is conducted on small plots averaging under 1 hectare, using traditional methods with minimal external inputs. Fertilizer imports come primarily through the port of Moroni, with most products sourced from East African or Middle Eastern markets.
Common Fertilizer Types
NPK 15-15-15 is the most commonly available fertilizer in the Comoros, used for general food crop production including bananas, cassava, taro, and rice. Urea is applied in small quantities to vanilla and ylang-ylang plantations by commercial growers. For the clove and ylang-ylang distillation industries, which produce essential oils for export, specialized fertilizer recommendations have been developed by the national agricultural research center (INRAPE). Organic farming practices predominate among smallholders, with composted livestock manure, kitchen waste, and crop residues serving as the primary soil amendments. The volcanic origin of the soils means they often have adequate potassium and micronutrients, but nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency can be significant on intensively cultivated plots. Green manure cover crops and agroforestry systems are promoted as sustainable fertility management strategies.
Subsidy Programs & Access
The Comoros does not maintain a permanent formal fertilizer subsidy program, given the small scale of the agricultural sector and limited government revenues. Fertilizer distribution is primarily managed through periodic agricultural development projects supported by international organizations including FAO, IFAD, and the African Development Bank. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment coordinates input distribution when project funding is available, channeling supplies through island-level agricultural directorates and village development committees. The National Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Sustainable Development (SCA2D) includes provisions for improving agricultural input access. Farmers typically purchase small quantities of fertilizer from general merchandise shops in urban centers or receive supplies through farmer organizations linked to development projects. Transport between the three islands adds cost to fertilizer distribution, and supply reliability varies significantly by island and season.