Alarming State of Agricultural Soils in Kenya: A Call for Sustainable Practices

The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s report reveals that only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is suitable for cultivation, highlighting severe soil degradation affecting food security. The report calls for sustainable practices like agroecology to restore soil health and improve agricultural productivity. Key stakeholders stress the importance of investing in sustainable soil management to address these pressing challenges.

The Heinrich Boell Foundation has issued a report emphasizing the deteriorating condition of agricultural soils in Kenya and its significant consequences for food and nutritional security. According to the “Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition,” only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is deemed suitable for cultivation, jeopardizing food production and sustainability.

In East Africa, over 40 percent of soils are classified as degraded, posing threats to agriculture and livelihoods. The report highlights that just 20 percent of Kenya’s cropland is arable, with up to 26 tons of soil lost per hectare each year due to erosion. Stressingly, 40 percent of irrigated land is impacted by soil salinization.

Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, conveyed his concerns during the report launch in Nairobi. He stated that the degradation of soil undermines agricultural productivity and exacerbates food insecurity. Paul argued that, “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources.”

The report reveals alarming statistics: 63 percent of arable land suffers from acidity, 80 percent of soils face phosphorus deficiency, and 75 percent experience depleted organic carbon levels, drastically impacting fertility. Paul emphasized, “Protecting soil is not just an agricultural concern alone, but it is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience.”

Furthermore, he referenced the 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit, which recognized the need for comprehensive solutions, urging a policy focus on sustainable farming practices such as agroecology to restore soil fertility. He cautioned against a heavy reliance on fertilizers, stating that increased use does not guarantee improved yields.

Dr. Harun Warui, Lead Programme Coordinator for Agroecology and Food Rights at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, noted that sustainable soil management not only safeguards the soil but also elevates the nutritional value of food. He advocates for agroecology as a sustainable approach, enhancing biodiversity and integrating various organic inputs.

Warui remarked, “Studies show that agroecological farming can improve yields by up to 30 percent while reducing dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers.”

Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator for the Route to Food Initiative, highlighted the importance of sustainable soil restoration practices. She asserted, “Healthy soils lead to nutrient-dense crops, which in turn support human health and reduce reliance on external fortification.” Gatwiri called for addressing the fundamental issues of nutrient-deficient soils.

Additionally, Sylvia Kuria, an organic farmer from Ndeiya in Kiambu County, described how Kenyan farmers are adopting alternative restoration methods like bio fertilizers and agroforestry to enhance soil health. “Soil is not an infinite resource; it requires care, investment, and respect,” Kuria asserted, reinforcing the necessity of soil protection to ensure food security, safeguard biodiversity, and combat climate change.

The report from the Heinrich Boell Foundation underscores the pressing challenges faced by Kenya’s agricultural soils, with only 20 percent suitable for cultivation and severe degradation threatening food production. Experts advocate for sustainable soil management and agroecology to revitalize soil health and enhance food security. The collaborative effort towards addressing soil health through organic practices is essential for sustainable agricultural productivity and nutritional security in Kenya.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke