Kenya risks a food crisis, with only 20% of land arable and significant soil degradation. The Heinrich Boell Foundation report highlights yearly soil loss and diminishing fertility due to poor agricultural practices. Advocating for agroecology, experts stress its potential to enhance crop yields and nutrition security. Sustainable practices are vital for addressing food insecurity and preserving biodiversity in the region.
Kenya faces a potential food crisis as highlighted by a report from the Heinrich Boell Foundation, revealing that only 20% of land is arable, with a troubling trend expected to worsen. Annually, the country loses approximately 26 tonnes of soil per hectare due to erosion, and soil salinization affects 4% of irrigated land, undermining food production efforts. Joachim Paul, the Foundation’s director, emphasized that protecting soil health is vital for sustainable ecosystems and food security, especially in Africa.
The Soil Atlas-Kenya Edition report indicates that soil degradation hampers food productivity growth, particularly in rural areas, while exacerbating social inequality. Reliance on synthetic fertilizers, monoculture, and deforestation are major contributors to diminished soil fertility. The study finds that 63% of land shows acidity issues, 80% of soils are phosphorus-deficient, and 75% have reduced organic carbon, all detrimental to soil fertility and microbial activity.
To combat these issues, implementing sustainable farming practices such as agroecology is crucial for restoring soil fertility in Kenya and East Africa. Dr. Harun Warui from the Heinrich Boell Foundation advocates agroecology, which integrates biodiversity, soil management, and organic inputs, noting that it can boost yields by up to 30% while lowering reliance on expensive synthetic fertilizers.
Christine Gatwiri from the Route to Food Initiative stresses the importance of dietary diversity for long-term nutrition security, advocating for organic practices. She argues that boosting soil health translates to nutrient-dense crops, benefitting human health. Gatwiri calls for a focus on sustainable practices that address nutrient-deficient soils, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant and lactating women.
In advising the government, RTFI called for embracing agroecological methods to tackle ongoing food challenges. Dr. Martin Oulu highlighted biodiversity loss from harmful agrochemicals, suggesting agroecology as a solution to food insecurity. He encouraged training farmers in backyard production of organic fertilizer, emphasizing simplicity in these sustainable methods.
Additionally, the University of Nairobi’s agricultural programs must adapt to incorporate agroecological training to ensure knowledge transfer and biodiversity preservation. Agroecology encompasses techniques like crop diversification, conservation tillage, and natural pest control, contributing to sustainable food production and environmental protection.
The alarming decline of Kenya’s arable land raises serious concerns for future food security. Soil degradation, exacerbated by chemical farming practices, poses challenges to agricultural productivity and social equality. However, adopting sustainable practices like agroecology could enhance soil fertility, improve crop yields, and promote long-term nutrition security. The collaborative efforts of government, agricultural institutions, and farmers are crucial to reversing these trends and ensuring a resilient food system for future generations.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
