The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition reveals that only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is arable, threatening food security. With severe soil degradation affecting 40 percent of East African soils, the report highlights the need for sustainable practices like agroecology. Key stakeholders emphasize protecting soil health to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure long-term nutrition security.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation has released a report indicating a serious crisis regarding agricultural soils in Kenya, which significantly affects food and nutritional security. Titled the Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition, the report reveals that only 20 percent of land in Kenya is arable, which poses a significant threat to food production and sustainability.
The findings highlight that over 40 percent of soils in East Africa are degraded, with Kenya facing severe challenges, including an annual loss of up to 26 tons of soil per hectare due to erosion. Additionally, 40 percent of the irrigated land suffers from soil salinization, further complicating agricultural efforts.
During the report’s launch in Nairobi, Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, expressed concern over soil degradation, stating that it undermines agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, contributing to food insecurity. He emphasized, “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources.”
Paul’s observations highlighted alarming statistics: 63 percent of arable land faces acidity issues, with 80 percent suffering from phosphorus deficiencies and 75 percent having depleted organic carbon levels, all of which diminish soil fertility. He noted, “Protecting soil is not just an agricultural concern alone, but it is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience, particularly in Africa.”
The report also referenced the 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit, which underscored the necessity for integrated solutions and the importance of policy support for sustainable farming practices. Paul cautioned against an over-reliance on fertilizers, stating, “Increased fertilizer use does not always result in better agricultural yields.”
Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, stressed the importance of sustainable soil management in enhancing food nutritional value. He noted that agroecology integrates biodiversity and sustainable practices that can improve yields by up to 30 percent while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, advocating for a shift towards organic inputs and diverse cropping systems.
Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator of Route to Food Initiative, emphasized that sustainable soil restoration methods are critical for nutrition security, especially for vulnerable populations. She remarked that healthy soils lead to nutrient-dense crops, benefiting human health and reducing the dependency on external solutions like fortification.
Organic farmer Sylvia Kuria from Kiambu County highlighted that farmers are increasingly implementing alternative restoration practices, such as bio fertilizers and agroforestry. She stated, “Soil is not an infinite resource; it is a living, breathing system that requires care, investment, and respect.” Kuria urged prioritizing soil health to secure food resources and mitigate climate change.
The recent report by the Heinrich Boell Foundation underscores the urgent need to address the deteriorating condition of agricultural soils in Kenya. With only 20 percent of the land suitable for food production and significant degradation across East Africa, a shift towards sustainable practices such as agroecology is essential. Protecting and restoring soil health is critical for enhancing food security, promoting nutritional health, and ensuring climate resilience, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
