Knowledge for Development

Phosphorus Depletion: Development Policy Review Network

Author:

Date: 01/06/2011

Introduction:

Global reserves of phosphorus are running out and, since plants need phosphate to grow, this poses an enormous challenge for global food production in the foreseeable future. A shortage of phosphate could ultimately result in large-scale famine and social-political turmoil. Surprisingly, phosphorus depletion did not seem to be on the political agenda some time ago. In order to increase awareness of these problems, the Netherlands Water Partnership, WASTE and Plant Research International initiated a one-year DPRN process to place the issue on the Dutch and European political agendas.