Experts convene in Kigali to tackle Africa’s soil health and fertilizer challenges

By The Inspirer.

Kigali, Rwanda, September 13, 2024 – Last week, Kigali hosted a pivotal roundtable on the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) and the Africa Soils Initiative (SIA), gathering experts and stakeholders to address soil degradation and its threat to food security.

Organized by the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health (CIFSH) and AGRA, the event focused on sustainable solutions for Africa’s agricultural future.

Participants highlighted the need for African governments to prioritize soil health by mobilizing national resources and fostering private sector engagement, particularly small and medium enterprises.

“We must go beyond declarations and act to restore soil health,” said Henk van Duijn, CEO of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC).

The discussions underscored the importance of data-driven approaches, regional collaboration, and partnerships to enhance soil health and increase productivity across the continent. Antony Chapoto, Executive Director of the African Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI), called for practical, African-led initiatives to drive long-term change.

The roundtable concluded with a collective call for action to secure Africa’s agricultural future through resilient, fertile soils.

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