The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s report reveals that only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is suitable for farming, highlighting the severe degradation affecting agricultural soils in the country. The report indicates significant soil erosion, salinization, and nutrient deficiency, which threaten food security and rural livelihoods. Emphasis on sustainable practices, such as agroecology and organic farming, is critical to restore soil health and improve agricultural productivity.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation has published a concerning report showing that only 20 percent of land in Kenya is suitable for food cultivation, thus jeopardizing food production and sustainability. The Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition highlights that more than 40 percent of East African soils are degraded, posing significant risks to agriculture and livelihoods across the region.
In Kenya specifically, the agricultural situation is critical, with only 20 percent of cropland deemed arable. The country faces significant soil loss, estimated at 26 tons per hectare annually due to erosion, while 40 percent of irrigated land suffers from soil salinization. These factors greatly undermine agricultural productivity and threaten food security.
During the report launch in Nairobi, Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, expressed his concern, noting that soil degradation threatens not only agricultural productivity but also rural livelihoods. He emphasized that, “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources.”
The alarming statistics indicated in the report reveal that 63 percent of arable land experiences acidity, 80 percent suffers from phosphorus deficiency, and 75 percent of soils exhibit depleted organic carbon levels, all of which adversely impact soil fertility. Paul remarked, “Protecting soil is not just an agricultural concern alone; it is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience, particularly in Africa.”
The upcoming 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit aims to promote holistic solutions and calls for policy support for sustainable practices like agroecology to restore soil health. Paul indicated that an over-reliance on chemical fertilizers does not effectively address Kenya’s soil health crisis, as increased fertilizer usage does not always lead to enhanced agricultural yields.
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator for Agroecology and Food Rights at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, advocated for sustainable soil management practices, asserting they enhance both soil health and the nutritional quality of food. He stated that agroecology integrates biodiversity, soil management, and organic inputs to pave a sustainable pathway forward with potential yield improvements of up to 30 percent, thereby reducing reliance on expensive synthetic fertilizers.
Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator for the Route to Food Initiative, emphasized the importance of organic inputs and diverse cropping systems for sustainable soil restoration, particularly for vulnerable populations. She noted, “Healthy soils lead to nutrient-dense crops, which in turn support human health and reduce reliance on external fortification.”
Sylvia Kuria, an organic farmer from Kiambu County, highlighted farmers’ initiatives toward soil restoration through methods like bio-fertilizers and agroforestry. She insisted, “Soil is not an infinite resource; it is a living, breathing system that requires care, investment, and respect,” emphasizing the need to alter our perception of soil as a mere substrate.
Kuria further stated that restoring soil health is paramount for ensuring food security, preserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change impacts.
Overall, the report underscores a critical need for sustainable soil practices to mitigate the pervasive challenges in Kenya’s agricultural landscape, ensuring long-term food security and ecosystem health.
In conclusion, the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Soil Atlas report serves as a crucial reminder of the dire state of agricultural soils in Kenya. With only 20 percent of land suitable for food production, urgent action is needed to adopt sustainable practices that enhance soil health. Emphasizing agroecology, organic inputs, and diverse cropping systems is essential for securing food and nutritional security and preserving the environment. Without addressing soil degradation, the future of agricultural productivity and food security remains at risk.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
