A report from the Heinrich Boell Foundation indicates that only 20 percent of land in Kenya is arable, with soil erosion and degradation worsening over time. This situation threatens food security. Experts recommend agroecology as a sustainable solution, advocating for organic practices to restore soil health and improve crop yields.
Recent findings by the Heinrich Boell Foundation reveal a concerning status of Kenya’s agricultural land, indicating that only 20 percent is arable. This situation is expected to deteriorate further, with the country losing approximately 26 tonnes of soil per hectare annually due to erosion. Moreover, soil salinization is impacting 4 percent of irrigated land, undermining efforts to ensure food production.
Joachim Paul, the Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, emphasized the importance of soil health, stating, “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources.” He presented these findings in Nairobi, highlighting that soil degradation is hindering food productivity and exacerbating social inequality.
The report notes that reliance on synthetic fertilizers, monoculture farming, and deforestation has led to notable declines in soil fertility, with 63 percent of land affected by acidity, and 75 percent facing depleted organic carbon levels. As a result, there is an urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroecology, to restore soil health.
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, advocated for agroecology as a sustainable agricultural solution that optimizes biodiversity and reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers. He stated, “Agroecology offers a sustainable path forward… Studies show that agroecological farming can improve yields by up to 30 percent.”
Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator at the Route to Food Initiative (RTFI), stressed the importance of dietary diversity for Nigeria’s nutrition security. She urged for a transition towards organic farming practices that enhance not only soil health but also the nutritional content of food.
RTFI has previously urged the Kenyan government to adopt agroecological methods for addressing chronic food challenges. Dr. Martin Oulu, associated with the Intersectoral Forum on Agroecology and Agrobiodiversity (ISFAA), echoed this sentiment, arguing against the reliance on imported fertilizers, suggesting local solutions to produce organic fertilizers instead.
In addition, Dr. Oulu encouraged educational institutions to modernize agriculture courses to encompass agroecological concepts, which promote biodiversity and sustainable farming techniques. This includes practices like crop diversification, natural fertilizers, and rainwater harvesting, all of which contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Through the combined efforts of experts and organizations, the push towards agroecological practices holds the potential to significantly improve Kenya’s food security and agricultural sustainability.
In summary, the alarming decline of Kenya’s arable land, coupled with significant soil degradation, poses a serious threat to the country’s food security. Experts advocate for a shift to sustainable agricultural practices, particularly agroecology, which not only enhances soil fertility but also helps combat climate change. Embracing these practices can lead to improved yields and greater nutrition security for the population, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
