The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s report reveals that only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is arable, posing a serious threat to agricultural productivity and food security. With significant soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies identified, experts urge for sustainable farming practices like agroecology as solutions to improve soil health and nutrition in the country.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation has released a report illustrating the critical state of agricultural soils in Kenya, which significantly impacts food and nutritional security. The report, titled “Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition,” reveals that merely 20 percent of land in Kenya is suitable for cultivation, jeopardizing food production and sustainability throughout the nation.
In East Africa, over 40 percent of soils have experienced degradation, directly threatening agriculture and livelihoods. Specifically in Kenya, only 20 percent of cropland is arable, with alarming erosion rates causing the loss of 26 tons of soil per hectare annually. Moreover, about 40 percent of irrigated lands are impacted by soil salinization.
Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, expressed his concern over the severe condition of soil at the report’s launch in Nairobi. He stated that soil degradation compromises agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, contributing to increased food insecurity. “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to recognize its crucial role in our ecosystem.
The report indicates severe soil health issues in Kenya, with 63 percent of arable land affected by acidity, 80 percent showing phosphorus deficiency, and 75 percent exhibiting depleted organic carbon levels. Paul highlighted that protecting soil is critical not only for agriculture but also for maintaining ecosystems and enhancing climate resilience in Africa.
The 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit emphasized the importance of comprehensive solutions, advocating for policy support towards sustainable farming practices, particularly agroecology, to improve soil fertility. Paul cautioned that an over-reliance on fertilizers is inadequate for addressing Kenya’s soil health challenges, as increased fertilizer usage does not consistently translate to higher agricultural yields.
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, stressed that sustainable soil management is pivotal for enhancing the nutritional quality of food. Warui noted that integrating biodiversity in agroecological practices can not only improve productivity by up to 30 percent but also decrease dependency on expensive synthetic fertilizers.
Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator of the Route to Food Initiative, underscored that sustainable soil restoration practices, enriched with organic inputs, are vital for nutritional security, especially for vulnerable populations. She highlighted that healthy soils foster nutrient-rich crops, thereby safeguarding human health.
Additionally, Silvia Kuria, an organic farmer from Kiambu County, pointed out that Kenyan farmers are increasingly utilizing alternative soil restoration methods. “Soil is not an infinite resource; it is a living, breathing system that requires care, investment, and respect,” she asserted, advocating for a mindful approach to soil management to secure food supplies and sustain biodiversity against climate change.
The report by the Heinrich Boell Foundation highlights the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices in Kenya, especially given the alarming condition of the nation’s soils. With only 20 percent of land suitable for cultivation and significant degradation across the region, immediate action is necessary to protect and restore soil health. Emphasizing agroecological methods will enhance nutritional security and foster resilience against climate challenges.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
