Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit Set to Address Pressing Issue of Soil Degradation

Amidst Africa's ongoing struggle with declining soil quality- a challenge that directly impacts the continent's ability to grow food, the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Summit is scheduled to take place from May 7-9, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. This gathering is pivotal as it brings attention to the long-standing issue of soil degradation that has been troubling farmers and communities for many years.

Objectives of Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit

The primary objective of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit is to assemble key stakeholders from across Africa to underscore the essential role of fertilizer and soil health in fostering sustainable and equitable agricultural growth. The summit will focus on developing an African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, alongside the Soils Initiative for Africa, to guide future policies and investments aimed at rejuvenating soil health and enhancing agricultural yields.

Expected Outcomes

The summit anticipates the endorsement of a comprehensive 10-year Action Plan, which will provide actionable recommendations for African leaders and stakeholders. This plan will serve as a strategic framework for new policies and investments to empower farmers in rejuvenating soil health, leading to increased productivity and profitability through optimized fertilizer use. Private and public sector partners from across Africa are expected to endorse this Action Plan, solidifying commitments to sustainable agricultural practices.

Key Features of the Summit

• A pivotal aspect of the summit will be the endorsement of the Nairobi Declaration, which will outline the commitment of African nations to prioritize soil health and sustainable agriculture.

• Additionally, the summit will launch the Soils Initiative for Africa (SIA), aiming to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing among African countries towards soil restoration efforts.

• The summit will also establish mechanisms for financing the Action Plan to ensure its effective implementation post-summit.

Exploring the Vital Role of Soil Health in Multifunctional Landscapes

In conjunction with the main summit, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will convene a significant side event titled ‘Exploring the Vital Role of Soil Health in Multifunctional Landscapes.’

This event will highlight the foundational importance of healthy soil in sustaining agriculture, supporting biodiversity, maintaining water quality, and mitigating climate change within multifunctional landscapes.