In 1998/99, the Soil Fertility Research Network for Smallholder Maize-Based Cropping Systems in Malawi and Zimbabwe (Soil Fert Net) began a projected second four years of work. We followed the strategy (outlined in our 1997/98 Annual Report) of continuing the important long-term agronomic and soil science research while concentrating more on getting the best soil fertility technologies to the farmers through participatory work and wider partnerships, supported by economics and policy awareness. Soil Fert Net consolidated its joint research through Network Trials, expanded the testing and dissemination of soil fertility technologies using farmer participatory methods, developed links with colleagues in Zambia, updated our understanding of "Best Bet" soil fertility technologies and laid the groundwork for larger and more widespread impact from those technologies through the launching of our Economics and Policy Working Group (EPWG). Total funding for the year (October 1998 to September 1999) was US$ 259200. The Rockefeller Foundation agreed to continue funding the Soil Fert Net through September 2000, with an increased allocation to cover coordination of the EPWG. Table 1 summarizes the major Network events held during the report period.