The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition highlights that only 20 percent of land in Kenya is suitable for food production, with significant soil degradation threatening agriculture and food security. The report calls for adopting sustainable practices, particularly agroecology, to restore soil health and ensure nutritional security.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation has released a report emphasizing the critical state of agricultural soils in Kenya, which poses significant risks to food and nutritional security. The Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition indicates that only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is suitable for cultivation, consequently threatening the nation’s food production and sustainability. Furthermore, it reveals that over 40 percent of East Africa’s soils are degraded, endangering agriculture and livelihoods.
In Kenya, the alarming conditions include only 20 percent of croplands being arable, with a soil loss of up to 26 tons per hectare annually attributed to erosion. In addition, 40 percent of irrigated lands experience soil salinization, further diminishing agricultural potential. Joachim Paul, the Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, highlighted the detrimental effects of soil degradation on agricultural productivity, stating that it exacerbates food insecurity across rural areas.
Paul expressed, “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources,” emphasizing the critical role soil health plays in food, water, and air quality. He pointed out that approximately 63 percent of arable land suffers from acidity while 80 percent face phosphorus deficiency. Moreover, 75 percent of Kenya’s soils have low organic carbon levels, thereby diminishing soil fertility and microbial activity.
He further remarked, “Protecting soil is not just an agricultural concern alone, but it is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience, particularly in Africa,” and stressed the need for holistic policies that promote sustainable farming practices, including agroecology. Paul also cautioned against solely relying on fertilizers for addressing the soil health crisis, as increased fertilizer usage does not guarantee improved agricultural yields.
Dr. Harun Warui, the Lead Programme Coordinator at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, asserted that sustainable soil management is vital for protecting soil and enhancing the nutritional value of food. He noted that agroecology integrates biodiversity and organic inputs, such as organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides, fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Studies indicate agroecological farming can enhance yields by as much as 30 percent while lessening reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Christine Gatwiri, Project Coordinator of Route to Food Initiative, emphasized that sustainable soil restoration practices, incorporating organic inputs and diverse cropping systems, are critical for ensuring long-term nutrition security, especially for vulnerable populations. She asserted, “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 Ndeiya, Kiambu County, illustrated that Kenyan farmers are increasingly adopting innovative soil restoration methods such as bio fertilizers, composting, and agroforestry to boost soil health. She stated, “Soil is not an infinite resource; it requires care, investment, and respect,” underscoring the importance of viewing soil as a living system. Kuria further argued that safeguarding and restoring soil health is essential for ensuring food security and addressing climate change challenges.
In conclusion, the Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition reveals alarming statistics regarding the degradation of agricultural soils in Kenya and emphasizes the urgency for sustainable soil management practices. The reliance on chemical fertilizers alone is insufficient; instead, a comprehensive approach integrating agroecology is vital for restoring soil fertility and ensuring food and nutritional security. Healthy soils are paramount for improving crop yields, enhancing human health, and facilitating resilience against climate change.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
