In recent years, the decline in soil quality has become a pressing concern across Africa, with Kenya being one of the countries heavily impacted. Small-scale farmers like Benson Wanjala are experiencing the devastating effects of acidifying fertilizers, which have led to diminished harvests and economic hardships. Wanjala's once fertile 10-acre farm now produces a mere 30 bags of maize, compared to the previous 200 bags.

This decline in soil fertility is not unique to Wanjala's farm but is a widespread issue in Kenya. The agriculture ministry reports that approximately 63% of arable land in Kenya is now acidic, resulting in a decrease in the production of staple crops such as maize. In 2022 alone, maize production declined by 4% to 44 million tons, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The introduction of a fertilizer subsidy in 2008 by the Kenyan government aimed to make chemical fertilizers more accessible to smaller-scale farmers. However, the initiative has faced challenges, including a scandal in April involving fake fertilizer. The investigation revealed that counterfeit bags marked as fertilizer actually contained quarry dirt. Around 7,000 farmers were affected, and President William Ruto pledged to compensate them with the correct product.

The problems related to soil health in Kenya and Africa at large have far-reaching consequences. The African continent possesses 65% of the world's remaining uncultivated arable land, yet still spends approximately $60 billion annually on importing food, according to the African Development Bank. This spending is projected to increase to $110 billion by 2025 due to rising demand and changing consumption patterns.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Kenya hosted an Africa-wide soil health summit in May. Various experts and stakeholders discussed declining production, climate change, and other factors impacting food security. Stephen Muchiri, executive director of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation, advocated for a return to traditional farming practices to revitalize depleted soils.

Experts attribute soil acidity to land degradation, which exacerbates the loss of plant and essential nutrients while making the soil vulnerable to erosion. Bridget Mugambe, the program coordinator for the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, has called for a shift away from chemical fertilizers, stating that they have extensively damaged African soils. She stressed the importance of holistic solutions and emphasized the need to prioritize soil health.

The soil health summit, organized by the African Union, adopted a 10-year plan that emphasizes increased investment in local production of both organic and chemical fertilizers. The plan aims to triple their use to boost agricultural production. However, it is worth noting that Africa loses over $4 billion worth of soil nutrients each year, according to AU Commissioner for Agriculture Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko.

Kenya's heavy reliance on imported fertilizers, mainly sourced from the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, has further compounded the soil quality dilemma. The recent fertilizer scandal has called into question the efficacy of imported products. However, John Macharia, the Kenya manager of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, encourages farmers to work with the government to ensure proper regulation and availability of the right fertilizers. He emphasizes the importance of soil analysis to guide farmers in choosing suitable fertilizers for their specific needs.

The issue of declining soil quality extends beyond Kenya, reaching other African nations like Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean government reports that around 70% of their soils are acidic, with the misuse of chemical fertilizers contributing to the decline in organic matter.

As Africa grapples with the challenge of feeding its growing population, addressing soil degradation and implementing sustainable farming practices becomes imperative. Ensuring soil health not only guarantees food security but also promotes long-term agricultural sustainability and economic prosperity for the continent.