Kenya faces a potential food crisis as only 20% of its land is arable, with soil loss and degradation increasing annually. The Heinrich Boell Foundation emphasizes the need for sustainable practices, particularly agroecology, to restore soil health and enhance food productivity. Experts advocate for dietary diversity and organic farming solutions to combat nutrition insecurity and the negative effects of reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
A recent report from the Heinrich Boell Foundation highlights a concerning trend regarding Kenya’s arable land, indicating the nation faces a potential food crisis. Released on February 27, the report states that only 20% of land in Kenya is suitable for farming and predicts further deterioration in the coming years, with soil degradation and salinization exacerbating the situation.
Soil loss is significant, with approximately 26 tonnes eroded per hectare annually, jeopardizing food security. Heinrich Boell Foundation Director, Joachim Paul, emphasized the critical importance of soil health, urging that its protection is vital for ecosystems, food availability, and climate resilience in Africa. Paul made these comments during the unveiling of the Soil Atlas-Kenya Edition in Nairobi.
The findings indicate that agricultural productivity, especially in rural areas, is being compromised by soil degradation, which also exacerbates social inequalities. Increased reliance on synthetic fertilizers and monoculture practices has aggravated soil fertility issues, leading to widespread erosion and desertification.
According to the report, 63% of Kenyan land suffers from acidity, while over 80% of soils experience phosphorus deficiency, and 75% contend with inadequate organic carbon levels—all detrimental to soil fertility and microbial health. To combat these challenges, the report advocates for the implementation of sustainable farming practices, particularly agroecology, to restore soil health.
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, presented agroecology as a viable solution that enhances biodiversity, incorporates effective soil management, and uses organic inputs. He noted that agroecological practices could potentially increase agricultural yields by 30% and lessen dependency on expensive synthetic fertilizers, contributing to climate change resilience.
Christine Gatwiri, a Project Coordinator at Route to Food Initiative (RTFI), stressed the importance of dietary diversity for nutritional security in Kenya. She advocated for a transition towards organic farming methods and sustainable soil practices that not only protect soil but also enhance the nutritional quality of food.
RTFI has previously urged the government to adopt agroecological practices to address persistent food security challenges. Dr. Martin Oulu, also involved in the initiative, warned of biodiversity loss due to harmful agricultural inputs and posited that agroecology could address food insecurity effectively.
Dr. Oulu raised questions about the need for fertilizer imports, suggesting that local solutions such as training farmers to produce organic fertilizers could be applied. He encouraged academic institutions to adapt their curricula to include agroecological principles, ensuring the transfer of critical knowledge and the protection of biodiversity through sustainable agricultural methods.
The alarm raised by the Heinrich Boell Foundation regarding Kenya’s diminishing arable land highlights urgent challenges related to food security. With widespread soil degradation and a strong push for sustainable practices such as agroecology, there is an immediate need for policy changes and education to ensure food diversity and health. Effective management of agricultural practices through organic inputs and the promotion of soil health will be crucial for achieving long-term nutritional security in Kenya.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
