By Aoma Keziah
Following the previous Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit (AFSH) 2024 held in May, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) hosted a critical post-summit workshop to outline the roadmap and action plans for East African Community (EAC) partner states. The workshop, held under the theme “Advancing Fertilizer Use and Soil Health for Sustainable Agriculture,” convened key stakeholders from the region to deliberate on strategies for implementing the Summit’s ambitious 10-year action plan.
The workshop brought together government representatives, agricultural experts, development partners, and private sector players to discuss regional priorities. With a focus on improving fertilizer use, enhancing soil health, and boosting crop yields, the participants aimed to align the East African agenda with the broader continental goals set during the Summit.
Discussions during the workshop centered on establishing a sustainable and competitive fertilizer production system in East Africa. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, resource mobilization, and effective coordination to ensure the successful implementation of the action plan. They also explored ways to strengthen the agricultural value chain, from production to distribution, to make fertilizers more accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers across the region.
“Today, we’re focusing on the critical role of regional cooperation in advancing soil health and fertility across Africa. Our goal is to enhance the capacity of regional and country-level institutions, ensuring effective implementation of soil health strategies. By creating sub-regional hubs, we’re not just sharing knowledge, we’re building the foundation for a resilient and sustainable agricultural future for our continent.” Noted Prof. Wole Fatunbi, Director of Research and Innovation,FARA
A key outcome of the workshop was the development of a detailed roadmap for implementing the 10-year action plan in East Africa. This roadmap includes clear timelines, responsibilities, and mechanisms for monitoring progress. Additionally, participants agreed on commitments to support capacity building, research and innovation, and policy reforms necessary to achieve the Summit’s goals.
AGRA’s President, Dr. Agnes Kalibata, highlighted the significance of this workshop in advancing the region’s agricultural transformation.
“The commitments made today by the East African Community partner states are a testament to our collective determination to improve soil health and fertilizer use, which are critical to ensuring food security and sustainable development in the region,” she said.
The workshop also established a framework for coordination among the EAC partner states, ensuring that efforts to improve fertilizer use and soil health are harmonized across the region. This framework will facilitate the mobilization of resources and the engagement of stakeholders at all levels, from local communities to international donors.
Moving forward with the implementation of the action plan, AGRA and its partners remain committed to supporting the efforts of EAC partner states to achieve a more productive and resilient agricultural sector. The post-summit workshop marks a significant step towards realizing the vision set out at the AFSH 2024 and ensuring that the benefits of improved soil health and fertilizer use reach farmers across East Africa.
