Kenya’s Agricultural Crisis: Only 20% of Land Suitable for Food Production
The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s report highlights that only 20% of Kenya’s land is suitable for food production, with serious implications for food security and agriculture due to soil degradation, salinization, and nutrient deficiencies. Experts recommend sustainable soil management and agroecological practices as solutions to restore fertility and improve agricultural yields in Kenya.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s recent report has unveiled a critical analysis of agricultural soils in Kenya, revealing that merely 20 percent of the land is suitable for cultivation. This alarming statistic highlights the threats to food production and sustainability within the region. Over 40 percent of East Africa’s soils face degradation, detrimentally impacting agriculture, food security, and the livelihoods tied to farming.
In Kenya, the degradation of arable land has reached a concerning level, with only 20 percent of croplands being cultivable. The country suffers a substantial loss of up to 26 tons of soil per hectare annually due to erosion, alongside soil salinization affecting 40 percent of irrigated land. Joachim Paul, Director of the Heinrich Boell Foundation, expressed his alarm at the launch event in Nairobi, emphasizing how soil degradation undermines agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and exacerbates food insecurity.
Paul articulated the view that, “Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources.” He further highlighted critical issues in the report, such as 63 percent of arable land suffering from acidity, 80 percent of soils facing phosphorus deficiency, and 75 percent having depleted organic carbon levels, all of which reduce soil fertility and microbial activity.
He urged that, “Protecting soil is not just an agricultural concern alone, but it is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience, particularly in Africa.” Recognizing the upcoming 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit, he called for policy support for sustainable farming practices like agroecology aimed at restoring soil fertility. He cautioned that an over-reliance on chemical fertilizers is inadequate for addressing Kenya’s soil health challenges.
Dr. Harun Warui, the Lead Programme Coordinator at the Heinrich Boell Foundation, emphasized the importance of sustainable soil management to enhance the nutritional quality of food. He noted that agroecology provides a viable solution by focusing on biodiversity, effective soil management, and utilizing organic inputs such as bio-pesticides and organic fertilizers. Furthermore, he stated, “Studies show that agroecological farming can improve yields by up to 30 percent while reducing dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers.”
Christine Gatwiri, a Project Coordinator with the Route to Food Initiative, stressed that sustainable soil restoration, integrating organic inputs and diverse cropping systems, is vital for ensuring long-term nutrition security, especially for vulnerable populations. She praised the government’s efforts in food fortification but warned that the focus should also include remedying the underlying causes of nutrient-deficient soils.
Additionally, Sylvia Kuria, an organic farmer from Kiambu County, shared insights on alternative soil restoration methods being adopted across Kenya, including bio fertilizers and agroforestry. Kuria emphasized the need to recognize soil as a living entity necessitating care and perspective beyond mere dirt. Protecting and enhancing soil health is portrayed as essential for food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
The Heinrich Boell Foundation’s report draws attention to the critical state of agricultural soils in Kenya, revealing alarming statistics that only 20 percent of the land is arable. The findings underscore significant threats to food security and livelihoods due to soil degradation and nutrient deficiencies. Experts advocate for agroecological practices as a sustainable pathway toward improving soil health and agricultural productivity while emphasizing the integral role of soil in overall ecosystem health.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
