Kenya hosts soil health summit

The health of African soil was discussed at length by gathering of experts, writes Jeff Kapembwa.

- Jeff Kapembwa

Africa’s food production capacity has dwindled in recent years, which has threatened the continent’s food security. This is mainly driven by poor soil health, mostly degraded by climate change effects.

Most of the continent’s arable land meant for agriculture has lost its potency to sustain high crop productivity, forcing the continent to slow down on agriculture in recent years. This needs urgent management due to the potential risk of food shortages, say the experts.

Research shows that the main drivers of land degradation are erosion, overgrazing, nitrogen loss and deforestation. These factors have accelerated poor soil health which, if not managed, could plunge the continent into catastrophic food shortages for future generations.

For this reason, interest groups on the continent, including the African Union (AU) and the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership, together with soil and water experts, agro- ecologists and others met at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Kenya at the beginning of May to assess the priorities of African farmers faced with soil fertility deficiencies.

The purpose of the summit was to deliberate soil management and related matters, together with providing a holistic approach to improving the agriculture sector.

During the continent’s Head of States 2014 Malabo meeting, the topic for discussion was advancing the cause of the agriculture sector and making it the continent’s lifeline.

The leaders also resolved to reduce poverty levels by at least 30% and increase intra-African trade in agricultural goods, among others, by 2025. It was agreed that all AU countries should reserve 10% of their annual national budgets to bolster agriculture.