The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Soil Atlas report indicates that only 20% of Kenya’s land is arable, with 40% of East Africa’s soils degraded, posing significant threats to food and nutrition security. Soil degradation undermines agricultural productivity, while sustainable soil management practices, particularly agroecology, are essential for restoring soil health and ensuring food security.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation has released a report detailing the precarious condition of agricultural soils in Kenya, emphasizing its severe impact on food and nutritional security. Titled the Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition, the report indicates that only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is suitable for food production, jeopardizing sustainability and agricultural output. Furthermore, over 40 percent of East Africa’s soils are reported to be degraded, which threatens agriculture and livelihoods across the region.
The findings reveal that only 20 percent of croplands in Kenya are arable, with an alarming annual soil loss of up to 26 tons per hectare from erosion. Additionally, soil salinization adversely affects 40 percent of irrigated areas. Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, highlighted concerns during the report’s launch in Nairobi, stating that soil degradation adversely impacts agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, further intensifying food insecurity.
Paul remarked, “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources,” stressing that the condition of the soil significantly affects food quality, water sources, and air quality. The report also reveals that around 63 percent of arable land suffers from acidity, 80 percent are phosphorus deficient, and 75 percent of soils lack adequate organic carbon, culminating in reduced soil fertility.
He emphasized that protecting soil is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience, especially in Africa, noting that the 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit recognized the need for comprehensive solutions. Paul asserted that relying heavily on fertilizers alone does not address Kenya’s soil health crisis, referencing studies that indicate such practices do not consistently improve agricultural yields.
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator for Agroecology and Food Rights at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, noted that sustainable soil management can safeguard soil health while enhancing food nutritional value. He believes that agroecology provides a sustainable pathway by integrating biodiversity with organic farming practices. “Studies show that agroecological farming can improve yields by up to 30 percent while reducing dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers,” he stated.
Warui called for a shift towards organic inputs and sustainable practices to ensure long-term nutritional security. He restated that investing in agroecological practices would enhance soil fertility, thereby promoting resilience against climate change. Furthermore, Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator for the Route to Food Initiative, underscored the importance of sustainable soil restoration practices for vulnerable populations, highlighting that healthy soils contribute to nutrient-rich crops essential for human health.
Gatwiri acknowledged the government’s initiatives on food fortification but emphasized the need to address the underlying issues of nutrient-deficient soils. Organic farmer Sylvia Kuria from Ndeiya, Kiambu County, shared insights into how Kenyan farmers are embracing alternative methods, such as bio fertilizers and composting, to improve soil health. “Soil is not an infinite resource; it is a living, breathing system that requires care, investment, and respect,” Kuria noted, urging a comprehensive view of soil’s critical role in food security, biodiversity, and climate change.
The report from the Heinrich Boell Foundation highlights a dire situation regarding soil health in Kenya, revealing that only a fraction of the land is suitable for food production. Emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, the findings underline the connection between soil health and food security. Advocating for agroecological approaches can enhance soil fertility and agricultural resilience against climate change, addressing the critical challenges faced by the nation’s agricultural sector.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
