Exploring the state of Knowledge and Action for Optimizing Soil Carbon in Africa

by Shaquille Pennaneach | May 27, 2025 | 2IPS, Agroecology, CAADP-XP4, IRC, News And Events, Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA)

By Wole Fatunbi

The state of knowledge and technologies about soil carbon management was the crux of discussion at the inaugural workshop of the Africa Node of the International Research Consortium on Soil Carbon (IRC-SC).

At the workshop held on the 26^th – 28^th May 2025 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya, the key presentations and discussions are on the subject of

Managing Green Carbon for Soil Health and Climate Change Mitigation in Africa.
Efforts to manage Soil Carbon in Africa: Imperative for SIA and AFSH-AP
Importance of agroforestry to Soil carbon management in Africa: Evidence from the field.
The Contributions of the Mineral Fertilizer to Soil Carbon Management in Africa: The Facts, Myths, and Fallacies
Making the case for Organic fertilizer manufacturing in Africa: Prospect, and benefits to carbon management
The role of capacity building on Soil organic carbon management in Africa: Imperative for Agroecology transition
Importance of Soil data to soil carbon management in Africa

The discussions pointed to the need to manage soil Carbon effectively as the key to halting soil degradation in Africa. Statistics show that Africa holds only 10% of the total carbon soil in the world due to the nature and properties of its soil. Despite this condition, the rate of loss of carbon soil is high due to agricultural practices and other land uses. This has a significant negative effect on agricultural productivity, ecosystem services, and climate change. The continental effort to manage African soil is the development of the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) and the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP).

Various scientific studies have indicated that integrated soil fertility management remains the best approach to ensuring agricultural productivity in Africa. It is vital to combine the application of organic fertilizer to manage soil carbon and mineral fertilizer to supply plant nutrients. A sound soil information system is necessary to develop a robust advisory tool that combines Soil information with agronomic, climatic, and market data and uses the best ICT tool to inform site-specific mineral and organic fertilizer applications.

The need for abundant biomass to produce organic fertilizer at an industrial level has received the attention of the private sector in recent years, and the momentum is building up across the continent. Efforts are needed to do appropriate labelling to inform both the humus and the nutrient content of the manufactured organic fertilizer. On another note, scientific action is needed to make recommendations on the humus application rate that will support a specific quantity of mineral fertilizer to ensure adequate supply to the plant without loss to the environment.

The Africa IRC-SC is established as part of global efforts to Raise Awareness on Soil carbon management, develop and disseminate scientific knowledge, and promote public-private synergies, implement thematic programming, contribute to a Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), and expand the scope of knowledge and action of Soil carbon management.

Stakeholders call for more integration of agroecology into the CAADP Framework to Advance Food System Transformation Agenda

by Shaquille Pennaneach | Apr 2, 2025 | Agroecology, CAADP-XP4, News And Events

Apr 02, 2025

Bridget Kakuwa-Kasongamulilo & Benjamin Abugri

Nairobi, Kenya – March 2025

Eastern Africa recently hosted a landmark event that brought renewed energy and direction to the region’s agricultural transformation through agroecology. The 2nd Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference 2025 (EAAC25) was held from 25th to 28th March 2025 at the Argyle Grand Hotel, directly opposite Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. Organized by Biovision Africa Trust, the conference convened key stakeholders from across the region and beyond to explore how agroecology could be harnessed to build resilient, sustainable, and inclusive agri-food systems.

Held under the theme “Strengthening Agri-Food System Transformation for Resilience, Sustainability, and Socioeconomic Development,” EAAC25 featured sit-in sessions, field excursions, exhibitions and hybrid participation that included both in-person and livestreamed sessions. The event inspired discussions and commitments towards investing in environmentally friendly, long-term solutions to replace historically unsustainable food system practices.

One of the most significant moments of the conference was the Regional Policy Roundtable, held on 25 March 2025 as a side event organized by CAADP-XP4 Consortium Partners, under the leadership of ASARECA, in collaboration with IFAD. The roundtable was coordinated by the CAADP-XP4 Policy Technical Working Group and focused on enhancing the integration of agroecology into the post-Malabo CAADP Process.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Cliff Dlamini, Executive Director of CCARDESA, stressed the critical need to embed agroecology into policy and practice. “Agroecology is not just an approach; it is a necessity for the transformation of Africa’s food systems. We must enhance policymakers’ capacity to understand its benefits and align regional voices to achieve the CAADP commitments,” he stated.

A representative from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (EC-DG-INTPA) Marion Michaud reaffirmed their commitment to the CAADP process, noting that they had been closely following and supporting agricultural initiatives in Africa, including the Regional Multi-Actor Research Network (RMRN) project under CAADP-XP4. “We commend the African Union Commission (AUC) and member states for their unwavering commitment to CAADP. Agroecology demands the collaboration of all actors—governments, farmer organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector—to ensure food and nutrition security,” said the INTPA representative.

Mr. Chiluba Mwape from the African Union Commission (AUC) emphasized that the AUC had been fostering a supportive environment for CAADP implementation and recognized agroecology as a key pathway for strengthening resilience. “Agroecology is essential for strengthening agri-food systems and increasing resilience. Our policies, including the CAADP framework and the Nairobi Action Plan on Fertiliser and Soil Health, reflect this priority,” an AUC representative noted. Mr. Chiluba also highlighted the importance of advocacy and governance, recommending that its policies be reviewed to better incorporate agroecological principles.

Ms. Mutinta Nketani outlined key policy entry points for integrating agroecology into the post-Malabo CAADP strategy. She emphasized the need for high-level dialogue with the AUC, inclusion of agroecology in NAIPs and the CAADP Biennial Review, and policy coherence across national frameworks like NDCs, NBSAPs, and food systems pathways. She called for capacity building of policymakers, stronger grassroots advocacy, and harmonized civil society efforts. “We must ask what transformation really means, and for whom,” she noted, urging meaningful integration and adequate resourcing of agroecology in national policies.

The roundtable featured robust discussions on issues such as land ownership, with participants calling for harmonized land tenure policies and improved access to finance and markets for smallholder farmers. Participants also stressed the importance of agricultural insurance and of integrating agroecology indicators into the CAADP monitoring and implementation frameworks.

IFAD representative Fenton Reed emphasized the value of documenting and showcasing success stories and promoting policy coherence across national and regional levels. Participants acknowledged that governments had made commitments to domesticate the outcomes of the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) and emphasized the need for inclusive stakeholder engagement, especially involving women, youth, producers, and consumers. “It is vital that women, youth, producers, and consumers are part of this transition,” one participant stressed.

A female participant from Action Aid said that “Land tenure remains a critical issue in advancing agroecology. When communities work together, we see less land grabbing and more equitable access to resources. But to make real progress, we must also introduce supportive policies—like land insurance schemes—that particularly protect women, who provide over 70% of the labour in agriculture. Secure land rights, especially for youth and women, are essential if we want to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems rooted in agroecological principles.”

Mr. Alex Mutungi intimated that we are beginning to see agroecology reflected in national agricultural investment plans, from soil health to farming practices—but more must be done. We need to introduce measurable indicators, build capacity from grassroots to policy level, and ensure our leaders fully understand the value of agroecology. Strategic entry points exist, and with the right policies and financing, we can scale up agroecology and open up new, fairer markets for our farmers.”

Prof. Raymond Auerbac ended by saying that one of the reasons the CAADP process struggled is because it was rushed and failed to integrate agroecology. We ignored the importance of safe food, cultural knowledge, and resilient systems. Agroecology gives us an opportunity to restore traditional food systems, reduce health costs, and create sustainable livelihoods—especially if we involve youth and rethink how we manage land and food.

The roundtable concluded with the development of a draft roadmap and monitoring and evaluation framework to support the mainstreaming of agroecology into the post-Malabo CAADP Strategy and Action Plan, which Mr. Moses Odeke, Acting Head of Programmes at ASARECA, shared. It served as a key moment for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning, reinforcing the commitment of CAADP-XP4 and its partners to sustainable food systems in Africa.

By the end of the side event participants reaffirmed the shared vision for an inclusive, practical, and firmly rooted agroecological transition based on African priorities and realities.

Source: CCARDESA

Eastern Africa Unites for Agroecological Transformation: Over 800 Delegates Chart Bold Path for a Greener Future

by Shaquille Pennaneach | Mar 28, 2025 | Agroecology, CAADP-XP4, News And Events

By: Benjamin Abugri & Bridget Kakuwa

Nairobi, Kenya – March 28, 2025

The Second Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference (EAAC25) concluded in Nairobi with resounding momentum, signaling a continental shift toward more sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient food systems. Held under the theme “Strengthening Resilience and Sustainability of Agri-Food Systems in Eastern Africa Through Agroecology,” the three-day event drew over 800 participants from 42 countries across Africa and beyond.

Delegates from 42 countries gathered in Nairobi for the Second Eastern Africa Agroecology Conference

Hosted from March 25–27, 2025, the conference brought together an impressive mix of policymakers, farmers, researchers, youth, civil society, and private sector actors. High-level dignitaries included Cabinet Secretaries, Members of Parliament, and Ministers of Agriculture, with technical sessions led by leading agroecologists, development partners, and grassroots organizations.

Conference Objectives and Activities

The conference aimed to:

Showcase successful agroecological practices and innovations across Eastern Africa.
Foster policy dialogue for integrating agroecology into national strategies and investment frameworks.
Promote youth and women participation in agroecological transformation.
Strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge exchange platforms.

Activities included high-level plenary sessions, field visits, exhibitions of agroecological innovations, side events, and technical panels.

Publications and products promoting climate-smart agriculture and agroecological practices on display

Five Bold Calls to Action

Key financing mechanisms presented in the conference’s Draft Call to Action

Allocate Dedicated Funding for Agroecology Programs: Targeting women, youth, and marginalized communities.
Commit 20% of Agriculture Budgets to Agroecology: Recognizing agroecology’s critical role in soil health, food security, and climate adaptation.
Enhance Development Partner Support: To increase resources for agroecological interventions in Africa.
Innovative Financing Models: Encouraging blended financing and new investment approaches.
Invest in Agroecological Innovation and Mechanization: To reduce labor burden and drive scalable adoption.

CAADP-XP4 Consortium’s Role in Shaping the Agroecology Agenda

Regional leaders from CAADP-XP4 convene at an ASARECA-led roundtable to influence post-Malabo policy integration

The conference also showcased the pivotal role of the CAADP-XP4 consortium, including FARA, ASARECA, RUFORUM, CORAF, and CCARDESA. A key highlight was the ASARECA-led side event, “Regional Policy Roundtable on Enhancing Integration of Agroecology into the Post-Malabo CAADP Process.”

This policy-focused session emphasized embedding agroecology into post-Malabo frameworks, and spotlighted data-informed decision-making. The Regional Multi-Actor Network on Agroecology, led by FARA and RUFORUM, and the regional Centres of Excellence spearheaded by CCARDESA, CORAF, and ASARECA, were applauded as trailblazers in evidence-based advocacy.

Powerful Remarks from High-Level Leaders

MP Gladys emphasized continued efforts to eliminate harmful pesticides across Africa

In a series of powerful closing remarks, Kenyan officials committed to mainstreaming agroecology in budgets and farmer training. Uganda’s Minister likened the movement to a mustard seed—poised to grow into a powerful revolution. MP Gladys received a standing ovation for her role in banning eight hazardous chemicals and reaffirmed her fight for safer agriculture. Echoing the sentiment, one expert challenged, “If pesticides are banned elsewhere due to cancer risks, why should Africa accept them?”

Voices of Youth and Innovation

Youth delegates shared their passion for food heritage and sustainability

The conference also gave center stage to youth voices and agroecological innovators. Their commitment to cultural heritage, local food systems, and regenerative practices proved that the future of African agriculture is in dynamic and capable hands.

Conclusion: Sowing Seeds for a Greener Africa

The conference concluded with a collective resolve to carry forward the movement through advocacy, investment, and collaboration. With clear direction and cross-sector momentum, Eastern Africa is poised to lead the continent in agroecological transformation.

“Agroecology is not about going back in time—it’s about stepping forward with science, culture, and nature working together,” one youth speaker declared.

Participants and partners from across the continent commit to agroecology action

Lisbon Tropical Summit Highlights Agroecology as a Pathway for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation

by Shaquille Pennaneach | Nov 8, 2024 | Agroecology, CAADP-XP4, News And Events

Lisbon, November 6, 2024

Building on the momentum of earlier discussions, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in collaboration with CORAF, CCARDESA, RUFORUM, JRC-ISPRA, AE-TPP, and IFAD, held a follow-up session on the theme “Reflections on Agroecology as a Pathway to Climate Adaptation and Mitigation” during the ongoing Tropical Summit. Held in a hybrid format, the session brought together high-level stakeholders, including FARA Board Chair Ms. Bongiwe Njobe, Prof. Majaliwa Majalolo of RUFORUM, with expert panelists Alex Awiti (CIFOR-ICRAF), Felix Rembold (EC-JRC), Khamis Fathiya (ICiPE), and Irene Kadzere-Forichi (FiBL). The session was moderated by David Amudavi of Biovision Africa Trust.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Majalolo recognized agroecology’s potential in strengthening the resilience of African food systems amid escalating climate challenges. However, he also highlighted resource limitations and the lack of consensus on agroecology’s comparative advantages over conventional agriculture. According to Majalolo, achieving a food system transformation will require a coalition of diverse stakeholders and a focus on educating future agronomists to adopt agroecological principles.

The expert panellists, each with vast experience in agroecology, delved into several critical issues facing agroecological practice in Africa. Key topics included:

Challenges in Agroecological Research and Practice: The panellists discussed the difficulties of balancing the interests of policymakers, researchers, and farmers, adapting research and policies to specific local contexts, and the lack of subsidies or compensation for farmers engaged in agroecological practices that support climate change mitigation.

Technological Advances in Agroecology: Panelists emphasized moving beyond outdated input-driven models and promoting a focus on the socio-ecological aspects of agroecology. They stressed the need to empower farmers to play a central role in transforming agroecosystems and highlighted the multi-functional benefits of agroecology.

Need for Communication and Dissemination: The session underscored the importance of effectively communicating agroecology’s principles and successes to key stakeholders, including policymakers, farmers, and consumers, to foster broader understanding and support for agroecological practices.

Closing the session, Baitsi Podisi of CCARDESA emphasized the importance of engaging all key players in implementing agroecology. He urged greater collective action to address the varied needs of these stakeholders, ensuring a more integrated and effective approach to agroecological transitions.

FARA and its partners expressed gratitude to all participants and panellists for their valuable contributions to the session, which marked another step forward in defining agroecology’s role in climate adaptation and food system resilience across Africa.

Lisbon Hosts Inaugural Tropical Summit Parallel Session on Agroecological Transitions

by Shaquille Pennaneach | Nov 6, 2024 | Agroecology, News And Events, Press Release, RPin

Lisbon, November 5, 2024

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), in partnership with CORAF, CCARDESA, RUFORUM, JRC-ISPRA, AE-TPP, and IFAD, co-organized a pivotal session on “Catalyzing Agroecological Transitions in the Tropics in the Context of Climate Change” at the maiden Tropical Summit. This event brought together leading voices in agroecology, including the FARA Board Chair, Ms. Bongiwe Njobe, and FARA’s Executive Director, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, along with other notable participants.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Aggrey Agumya emphasised the urgency of advancing agroecological practices, noting that while agroecology holds significant potential, it lacks substantial representation in the new Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) strategy. “The scientific community must work harder, faster, and louder to champion agroecological transitions,” Dr. Agumya urged.

Dr. Guy Faure of the European Commission’s International Partnerships (EC/INTPA) echoed this sentiment in his opening address, highlighting robust evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of agroecology. He outlined the European Commission’s commitment to three regional multi-actor networks across Eastern, Western, and Southern Africa. These networks aim to bolster agroecological practices by providing evidence-based technologies, building capacity, and driving policy advocacy.

The hybrid session featured presentations from two distinguished researchers: Professor Rachel Wynberg and Dr. Marc Corbeels, both experts in agroecology. Professor Wynberg discussed the importance of supporting agroecology in tropical regions, touching on research, policy, and practical applications. Dr. Corbeels followed with a presentation on agroecology as a vital approach to enhancing climate resilience, exploring policy and institutional support mechanisms essential for scaling agroecological practices.

The presenters defined key components of agroecology, underscoring its potential to address pressing societal challenges. They also highlighted the main barriers to economic and policy support, sharing insights based on their extensive work in various African contexts.

Interactive discussions and a lively question-and-answer session followed the presentations, with both in-person and online participants. Key questions emerged, including “Can we scale agroecology?” and “What is the return on investment for agroecology?” These questions underscored the audience’s keen interest in understanding both the scalability and economic viability of agroecological practices in Africa and beyond.

The session at the Tropical Summit spotlighted agroecology’s role in climate resilience and sustainable agriculture, paving the way for a deeper commitment from the global community toward supporting agroecological transitions in the tropics.

Soil Savvy: Stakeholders Set Roadmap For Innovative Information Management System

by Shaquille Pennaneach | Oct 12, 2024 | 2IPS, Agroecology, CAADP-XP4, CSA, News And Events, Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA)

By Raji Adebayo, Oct 10, 2024

An expert in the field of agriculture, Dr. Wole Fatunbi, has identified low household income, poor social capital, low educational level and Nigeria gross domestic product (GDP) as the factors responsible for food insecurity affecting Nigeria while also stating that the Federal government is not sincere with the allocation of the countries budget for agriculture.

Dr. Fatunbi of the Forum of Agricultural Research In Africa (FARA) Ghana stated this while delivering a keynote address during the 2024 National Soil Summit held at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IART) Ibadan.

While speaking at the summit with the theme Soil Information Management: Challenges, Perspectives and Possibilities for Sustainable Land Use and Food Security, he maintained that the Federal government needs to take proactive measures to tackle food shortages and develop partnership for capacity building.

While enumerating the factors that will boost food security, Dr. Fatunbi stated that partnership for capacity building on soil information science, promotion of the research of experts, enhancement of the existing political will to have soil information system are capable of boosting food security.

Other factors according to him, include the establishment of national soil information system, supporting tools from the soil information system and the development of the policies of researchers for data sharing and data use.

The Chief host, Vice Chancellor Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife Prof. Simeon Bamire who was represented by the Dean, faculty of agriculture Prof. Akeem Tijani stated that proper education on the importance of soil to healthy crop, advocacy and concrete actions in the field are the best way to maintain healthy soil and that water management strategies formulation and implementation as well as soil survey and land evaluation remain the best way to achieve soil information system.

“The role of IART as an institution with national mandate for soil research over years has contributed to developing improved soil management technologies affordable and adaptable to agro-ecologies of Nigeria.

“The potentials of the institute in research for development has endeared the government and private organisations to rely on her services in the area of soil and agro chemical testing / validation, soil and water management strategies formulation and implementation as well as soil survey and land validation” he remarked.

While welcoming the experts in the field of agriculture to the summit the Director of IAR&T, Prof. Veronica Obatolu emphasised that soil is experiencing a yearly decline despite the availability of improved technologies.

This, according to her has led to increased food insecurity, environmental challenges and economic crisis, she however added that addressing the ongoing issues affecting sustainable land use and agricultural development in the country is crucial at this moment.

“Soil often overlooked is the unsung hero of our ecosystem, it provides 95 per cent of our food, filters our water and regulate the climate, yet soil degradation affects over 33 percent of global land, affecting human health, food security and economic stability” she stated.

Prof. Obatolu disclosed that the summit represents a pivotal moment in various stakeholders’ innovative collective journey to enhance soil health and fertility and to promote sustainable agriculture practices and to foster resilient ecosystem and communities.

In his remark the Minister of Agriculture who was represented by the Oyo State Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Florence Kakulu commended the leadership of IAR&T, especially Prof. Veronica Obatolu for working in the line of the ministry to achieve food sufficiency and urged her to continue working with other sister institutions and collaborate with the Federal Government to achieve food sufficiency.

She said the theme of the summit is in tandem with the Federal Government plan to boost food sufficiency in the country and urged Nigerians to utilise any little space within their homes to plant domestic crops.

The summit was supported by Indorama, GIZ, Soil values, SASAKAWA Africa Association and OCP.

Source: https://independent.ng/soil-savvy-stakeholders-set-roadmap-for-innovative-information-management-system/

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