By Aoma Keziah,
Regional directors from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), alongside public and private sector agricultural experts, met in Nairobi, for a strategic write shop aimed at transforming soil health and fertilizer practices across its member states.
The event focused on developing a detailed implementation plan for the recently launched Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub. This initiative is set to play a critical role in addressing soil degradation, improving crop productivity, and promoting sustainable farming practices in a region increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks and food insecurity.
In his remarks, Rashi Khator Secretary State Department of Agriculture representing PS state department for Agriculture Dr. Paul Ronoh, stated that historically, Kenyan agriculture has evolved from traditional practices like shifting cultivation and the use of organic inputs, towards the adoption of chemical fertilizers, particularly for large-scale commercial farming of crops like coffee and tea during the colonial era.
“After independence, the Kenyan government promoted fertilizer use among smallholder farmers to increase agricultural productivity and achieve food security, where subsidies and extension services played a key role in this push,” he said
He further stated that while these fertilizers have played a role in boosting productivity, they’ve also witnessed the unintended consequences of relying on them exclusively.
“Continuous use, often without accompanying sustainable practices, has led to concerns about soil health- degradation, including soil acidification, nutrient imbalances, and a decline in beneficial soil organisms. The limitations of a purely chemical approach to maintaining soil health became increasingly apparent, prompting a re-evaluation of our strategies,” continued to say Khator.
The event directly responds to commitments made during the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held earlier this year, aligning with the Nairobi Declaration, which called for a comprehensive, science-driven approach to soil management, advocating for efficient fertilizer use, responsible nutrient stewardship, and greater integration of organic and bio-fertilizers into farming systems.
“While agriculture remains the cornerstone of our economies, we are witnessing the gradual loss of our most vital resource — our soil. This moment presents a critical opportunity to act decisively by promoting strategies such as the adoption of organic fertilizers to safeguard soil health for future generations,” underscored Dr. Eshete Dejen, programme Manager for Environment &Coordinator for Blue Economy at IGAD.
Participants worked collaboratively to tailor region-specific strategies, taking into account the diverse agro-ecological zones of IGAD countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Djibouti, and Uganda. Special emphasis was placed on blending traditional knowledge with modern technologies to ensure that interventions are not only effective but also accessible to smallholder farmers.
Beyond planning, the write shop served as a platform for exchanging best practices in sustainable land management, promoting data driven decision-making, and fostering partnerships to mobilize resources for soil health initiatives.
The final implementation plan, expected to be unveiled later this year, will outline actionable steps for governments, farmers, and industry stakeholders to transform agriculture into a more sustainable, productive, and profitable sector for the entire IGAD region.
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