Report Reveals Alarming Soil Degradation in Kenya Threatening Food Security
A recent report indicates that only 20% of Kenya’s soil is fit for farming, with significant degradation due to erosion and salinization. Over 40% of East Africa’s soils are similarly affected, jeopardizing agriculture and food security. Factors such as overgrazing and poor irrigation practices contribute to this crisis, leading to increased dependency on food imports. An estimated 2.8 million individuals are anticipated to face acute food insecurity in Kenya by 2026.
A recent report has unveiled that a mere 20 percent of Kenya’s soil is suitable for food production, raising serious concerns for the country’s agricultural future. The Soil Atlas Health Report 2025 highlights significant soil degradation, with Kenya losing an alarming 26 tons of soil per hectare each year due to water-induced erosion, and certain regions experiencing losses exceeding 90 tons annually.
Soil quality is critical for food security and plays a pivotal role in combatting climate change, as soils store more carbon than both vegetation and the atmosphere combined. This storage occurs when carbon absorbed by plants is transferred to the soil through their root systems. Alarmingly, the report indicates that East Africa faces an even graver situation, with over 40 percent of its soils degraded, jeopardizing agriculture in the region.
The crisis stems from a mix of human activities and natural factors. Unsustainable farming, deforestation, overgrazing, and erratic weather patterns are all pivotal in depleting soil quality. Specifically, overgrazing, particularly in arid areas, strips away protective vegetation, leaving soil vulnerable to erosion and compaction, which diminishes its capacity to retain water and support plant growth.
Salinization is another major contributor to soil degradation in Kenya, especially in arid or semi-arid regions. Ineffective irrigation practices often involve the use of poor-quality water, which, upon evaporation, leaves behind harmful salts that accumulate in the soil. The report estimates that around 40 percent of irrigated land in Kenya suffers from salinity, complicating agricultural productivity.
Nutrient depletion presents an additional challenge to soil health in Kenya, with over 85 percent of soils facing nutrient deficiencies. Continuous farming without adequate replenishment, exacerbated by increasing soil acidity and ineffective management practices, has intensified these issues. The report indicates that degraded soils may reduce agricultural output by as much as 30 percent, heightening dependence on food imports.
Furthermore, findings from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) suggest that approximately 2.8 million individuals may face acute food insecurity between April and June 2026, especially in light of predicted below-normal long rains. The assessment of 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties denotes an increase of 650,000 people requiring immediate humanitarian assistance, up from 2.15 million. Among those most affected are young children and breastfeeding women, who are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition.
In summary, the degradation of Kenya’s soil poses serious threats to agricultural productivity and food security, with only 20 percent of soil currently deemed suitable for farming. The alarming loss of soil due to erosion, salinization, and nutrient depletion underlines the urgency of addressing these challenges. As a result, an increase in food insecurity is anticipated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect and restore vital soil resources.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
