Without access to phosphorus, food cannot not be produced. Despite this, there no effective global or local governance mechanisms in place to ensure long-term access to this finite resource. In fact, a handful of countries control 85 per cent of the world’s phosphate rock. We work with partners to identify specific opportunities to mitigate this vulnerability and adapt for a more secure future.
- In Sri Lanka, we analysed the links between climate change and phosphorus vulnerability to develop farm and policy interventions. This work enabled us to work with smallholder farmers and envision future pathways for their food systems.
- Our global Phosphorus Futures project explored the links between clean waterways through improved phosphorus management in Australia, United States, Malawi, and Vietnam. We identified the major risks and intervention points to improve water systems and phosphorus recycling.
- As part of a collaborative project for CSIRO’s National Research Flagships Program’s Flagship Collaboration Fund, ISF examined the implications of global phosphorus scarcity for the Australian food system.
- A policy analysis and flows analysis of the Australian food production and consumption system through to food consumption and excretion identified opportunities for achieving phosphorus security in Australia.
- In Malawi, Zambia, and Ethiopia we conducted a visioning workshop to identify barriers and enablers of organics value chains in rural African contexts. This work was supported by the Australia-Africa Universities Network.