The Heinrich Boell Foundation report reveals that only 20% of Kenya’s land is arable, with severe soil degradation affecting food production and security. The loss of soil fertility, salinization, and reliance on fertilizers pose significant threats. Sustainable practices like agroecology and organic farming offer solutions to enhance soil health and food security.
A recent report by the Heinrich Boell Foundation outlines the severe condition of agricultural soils in Kenya, where only 20% of the land is suitable for cultivation. This situation poses significant risks to food production and sustainability within the country. The Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition highlights that over 40% of soils in East Africa face degradation, which directly threatens agriculture, food security, and local livelihoods.
In Kenya, a shocking loss of approximately 26 tons of soil per hectare occurs yearly due to erosion. The report notes that 40% of irrigated land suffers from soil salinization. Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, raised concerns about soil degradation undermining agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, thereby exacerbating food insecurity. He emphasized that “soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources.”
The report further reveals concerning statistics: approximately 63% of arable land is impacted by acidity, 80% exhibits phosphorus deficiency, and 75% of soils have depleted organic carbon levels, decreasing fertility and microbial activity. Paul stated that protecting soil transcends agricultural concerns, impacting ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience, particularly in Africa.
Looking ahead, the 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit recognized the need for comprehensive solutions, advocating for policy support of sustainable farming practices like agroecology. Paul warned against an over-reliance on fertilizers, pointing out that increased usage does not always correlate with better agricultural yields.
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator for Agroecology and Food Rights at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, noted that sustainable soil management can enhance both soil health and the nutritional value of food. He advocated for agroecological methods that merge biodiversity with effective soil management and organic inputs, suggesting these practices can boost yields by up to 30% while decreasing reliance on expensive synthetic fertilizers.
Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator for the Route to Food Initiative, emphasized sustainable soil restoration practices are crucial for long-term nutrition security, especially among vulnerable populations. She remarked that healthy soils yield nutrient-dense crops vital for human health and reduce the need for external fortification.
Additionally, farmer Sylvia Kuria from Ndeiya, Kiambu County, illustrated that farmers are implementing alternative soil restoration methods such as bio fertilizers, compost, and agroforestry. Kuria affirmed the necessity of viewing soil as a living system, highlighting that proper care, investment, and respect are required for its health and productivity. She also stressed that restoring soil health is essential for food security, biodiversity, and climate change solutions.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s report points to a critical soil health crisis in Kenya, underscoring the fact that only 20% of land is arable and highlighting the severe degradation of soils. Sustainable practices such as agroecology, biodiversity integration, and organic inputs are essential for restoring soil health, enhancing food security, and addressing climate challenges. It is evident that urgent actions are needed to foster agricultural sustainability and secure nutrition for the population.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
