Second Africa Fertilizer And Soil Health Summit To Address Looming Soil Health Crisis
The Mt Kenya Times 
The Africa Fertilizer & Soil Health Summit is timely for a comprehensive review of the state of Africa’s soil health to recalibrate strategies to boost soil productivity for higher crop yields, economic growth & well-being of Africans.
By Cynthia Masibo
The urgent need to address Africa’s deteriorating soil health has taken center stage at the African Union’s Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit (AFSH24), currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya. With over 4,000 participants, including 8 heads of state and government, 25 ministers of agriculture, and 32 ministers of foreign affairs, the summit aims to tackle the pressing issue of soil degradation, which poses a significant threat to the continent’s food security.
Africa is losing over US$4 billion worth of soil nutrients annually, a staggering figure that jeopardizes its ability to sustainably feed its growing population. The summit, co-organized by the African Union and the Government of the Republic of Kenya, with support from various partners, seeks to foster critical discussions on enhancing the value of land as a crucial asset for farmers.
The alarming statistics underscore the severity of the soil health crisis in Africa. Nearly 282 million people on the continent, approximately 20 percent of the population, are undernourished. This number has increased by 57 million since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the urgency for decisive action.
Since the first Fertilizer Summit held in Abuja in 2006, where the target of a minimum of 50 kilograms per hectare of fertilizer use for agricultural growth was set, progress has been limited. Only 10 countries have met or surpassed this target, leaving many others struggling to enhance their agricultural productivity.
The theme of this year’s summit, “Listen to the Land,” reflects the imperative to evaluate Africa’s soil health and review progress made since previous commitments by African leaders. The goal is to adopt regenerative practices, policies, and approaches that will improve the long-term value of land as a critical asset for farmers.
During the opening ceremony, H.E. Amb. Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission (AUC), emphasized the need for collaborative action and innovative solutions. She stressed the urgent need for Africa to reclaim its degraded soils to ensure food security for future generations.
Concrete Steps Forward
The summit aims to draft and endorse the Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health, a comprehensive document outlining commitments, strategies, and actionable directions to enhance the sustainability of fertilizer use and other soil health practices. Additionally, a 10-year Action Plan and mechanisms to finance it are anticipated, offering concrete guidelines on new policies and investments to drive soil health transformation across the continent.
A significant $15 billion of private sector investment will be needed to increase the local manufacturing of mineral fertilizers, with the target of tripling the local production of organic and inorganic fertilizers by 2033. These investments are crucial for accelerating impact and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Africa’s agricultural sector.
As the AFSH24 gathers momentum, there is a palpable sense of urgency among participants to address Africa’s soil health crisis head-on. The outcomes of the summit, including the Nairobi Declaration and the 10-year Action Plan, are expected to pave the way for a sustainable agricultural transformation on the continent.
With collaborative action and innovative solutions, Africa has the potential to unlock its agricultural productivity, ensuring food security and economic growth for generations to come. The time to act is now, and the AFSH24 provides a platform for African leaders, policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to chart a course towards a brighter, more sustainable future for the continent.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Beyond compensation: the search for justice in a wounded nation
- Spain stutter in World Cup opener as Cape Verde earn gritty goalless draw
- Belgium held as Egypt snatch late World Cup point in Seattle stalemate
- Israel lifts Ebola travel restrictions on Kenya and Rwanda
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER June 16, 2026
About the Author
