The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), through its Food Systems Resilience Program for Eastern and Southern Africa (FSRP), is holding a regional workshop with IGAD Member States and technical partners.
This event follows the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit (AFSHS) of May 2024 and aims to discuss the outcomes and roadmap for implementing the Nairobi Declaration, which was adopted at the summit. The main goal is to improve food security, boost agricultural productivity, and support economic development across Africa.
The Nairobi Declaration endorsed two key initiatives: the Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan and the Soil Initiative for Africa Framework. These initiatives address the region’s low fertilizer use and inadequate application rates, which are insufficient to meet agricultural targets or restore soil health.
Most IGAD countries have not met the target of applying 50 kilograms of fertilizer per hectare, as set in the previous CAADP-MALABO report. There is an urgent need to focus on fertilizer efficiency, nutrient management, and integrating organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and soil amendments like lime to enhance soil health and productivity.
Dr. Eshete Dejen, IGAD’s Director of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that healthy soils are vital for food security and economic growth. He called for holistic soil health management through fertilizer interventions to boost crop production, increase exports, create employment, and promote sustainable agriculture.
According to Dr. Dejen, 20% of Africa’s land is degraded, which impacts food production and livelihoods. He stressed the need for joint public-private initiatives to reduce reliance on inorganic fertilizers, lower fertilizer costs, and reverse soil degradation.
Soil health is essential for increasing agricultural output and ensuring food security in the region. Therefore, governments and stakeholders must commit to sustainable agricultural practices that enhance fertilizer efficiency, promote soil health, and address challenges related to fertilizer use and soil management.
IGAD’s seven-year Food Systems Resilience Program, supported by the World Bank, focuses on rebuilding resilient agricultural production, sustainably developing natural resources, and enhancing food systems resilience at the national and regional levels. The program’s objective is to increase the resilience of food systems and preparedness for food insecurity.
Dr. David Kamau of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) reiterated the importance of fertilizer use and soil health. He urged IGAD Member States to implement the Nairobi Declaration and the Soil Initiative for Africa Framework to restore soil health, increase fertilizer use, and improve agricultural productivity.
“Key goals include increasing domestic fertilizer production, providing agronomic recommendations to farmers, reversing land degradation, and ensuring at least 70% of smallholder farmers have access to quality extension services by 2034,” said Dr. Kamau.
During the workshop, IGAD Member States will present their country reports on soil fertility management, challenges, and gaps. Discussions will also cover the implications of the Nairobi Declaration for the IGAD region and strategies for creating a Soil Hub, drawing on lessons from West and Southern Africa.
Participants include representatives from IGAD Member States, the African Development Bank, FAO, AGRA, and other international agricultural and development organizations.
