Completed Soil degradation and infertility are major constraints to the sustainability of agricultural systems in many developing countries, particularly those located in the tropical humid lowlands. Restoration of soil phosphorus (P) status can only be achieved by the use of phosphate fertilisers. Agronomists and agricultural economists, in both developing countries and development agencies, are not adequately aware of locally available phosphate rock resources and their agronomic potential as a low cost source of phosphate. There is an urgent need to ensure that the use and development of these locally available resources is considered as an option for restoring the P-status and productive capacity of degraded soils used by poor, smallholder farmers. Provide national and regional information on locally available phosphate resources with potential for use by poor, smallholder farmers to increase soil fertility and productive capacity. Regional reports (separate volumes for sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America) providing country-specific information on:(i) quantity, quality and location of phosphate rock resources.(ii) local use and export potential.(iii) extraction/manufacturing cost guidelines.(iv) recommendations for national/regional use.(v) predicted costs/benefits.(vi) potential environmental impacts.(vii) suitable soil types and crops.(viii) agronomic testing and economic evaluation.Dissemination of reports to key renewable natural resources (RNR) and mineral resources (MR) advisers, and promotion of general awareness via Internet website and journal publications. Draft sub-Saharan Africa report nearing completion.Compilation of Latin America and Asia reports in progress.Unforeseen problem with staff availability has had major affect on output, a request is to be made to change completion date to 31 March 2002.