Developing the Regional Hub to coordinate regional actions for the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) and the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) is a key component of the structure to implement the AFSH Summit outcomes. The overall implementation structure (Figure 1) was approved for use over a series of exchanges that involve partners in African agriculture under the oversight of the AUC and the AUDA-NEPAD. The structure that supports the “Africa owned, and Africa Led Process” agenda for the SIA and AFSH-AP devolves overall leadership to AUC and AUDA-NEPAD as the authorizing environment.
The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) secretariat is designated as the coordination secretariat for the initiative. The Regional Economic Communities (RECS) and the Sub-Regional Organizations (SROs) in each of the subregions of Africa are expected to establish a regional hub to coordinate the member countries’ actions, among other roles. The West Africa Hub seems to have a structure in place; however, each region needs to develop its regional hub structure that aligns with the socio-cultural circumstances and the REC political system. The SIA secretariat attempts to provide a template for the Hub development and function in the guiding Terms of Reference (ToR) document for the RECS to domesticate.
The SADC secretariat, CCARDESA, with support from AUDA-NEPAD, is running a stakeholders’ workshop to review its Hub establishment document and validate it for subsequent regional endorsement and implementation. The workshop will take place from December 9th to 13th, 2024, at the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Center in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Representing the SIA Secretariat in FARA, Prof Wole Fatunbi presented an overview of the SIA and the AFSH-AP and the progress so far; he further gave a clear insight into the ToRs of the different structures in the implementation framework.
In another section, a presentation titled “Leveraging Agricultural Innovation Platforms for the Implementation of AFSH-AP” discussed the use of innovation platforms for the implementation of the country and the Hub action. It is expected that the Hub and countries in the Southern Africa sub-region will embrace the multistakeholder approach and the key principles in the IAR4D concept.
The SADC had requested its sub-regional organization coordinating agricultural research, CCARDESA to host the regional hub and run all the functions as Secretariat on behalf of the REC.
The workshop addressed the partnership gaps and stakeholders’ model, finetuned the implementation arrangement, and proposed modalities for drawing support from the six established coalitions. As agreed in other stakeholders’ workshops, the coalitions will provide implementation support at the continental, regional, and country levels.
The final document from the workshop is expected to be validated by stakeholders for implementation. The implementation of SIA/AFSH-AP is already being implemented in the countries while the secretariat and the hubs are being established. The issues of soil management in Africa cannot wait for another day; Africa needs to halt the pace of land degradation and start the implementation of effective management practices to ensure soil health. This informs the need for structured coordination of efforts, allocations of mandates to organizations, and implementation of real action rather than unending talks and workshops.
This time, Africa is poised to get it right with the “Africa-owned and Africa-led process” mantra supported by ambitious declarations by the head of state at the May 2024 Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit supported by action-ready experts on the continent.
Wolé Fatunbi, from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), represents the Soil Carbon International Research Consortium (IRC) regional ambassador for the African continent. Soil health is a real challenge for food security in Africa and for tackling climate change.
How does Africa’s soil compare to the global context?
Africa’s soil is both unique and fragile, distinguished by its age and long history of transformations. The low mineral content and limited depth contribute to reduced levels of organic matter, while the clay minerals found in these soils are mostly low-activity types, which further limits fertility.
Despite these challenges, African soilhas the potential to be productive, but it requires careful management practices. Many farming techniques employed in other regions, particularly mechanised plowing, are often unsuitable for African soils. Such practices can disrupt the delicate balance of nutrients and organic matter, deteriorating the existing soil issues. Furthermore, heavy rainfall events can wash away the scarce remaining organic matter, further depleting the soil’s quality.
Soil health in Africa also plays a critical role in ecological functions, such as carbon sequestration, which is essential for combating climate change. When soil is mismanaged, it loses its ability to store carbon, which can intensify climate impacts while simultaneously reducingagricultural productivity. This creates a cycle that threatens both food security and environmental sustainability.
What is FARA researching in Africa in terms of soil biodiversity and sustainable management?
Maintaining soil biodiversity is one of the leading challenges facing Africa, as it is crucial for sustaining healthy ecosystems. Forest soils, for example, have developed intricate microclimates over centuries, supporting a diverse array of microorganisms, fauna, and flora. When these soils are exposed to agricultural activities or urban development, this balance is disrupted, leading to soil degradation.
The loss of microbial diversity poses a significant risk. Without sufficient microbial life, organic matter cannot effectively break down, and nutrients cannot be properly recycled back into the soil. In light of this, Africa is increasingly interested inbiofertilisers. They work to support microbial populations and enhance soil fertility by promoting nutrient cycling alongside traditional mineral fertilisers.
Another innovative solution being explored is the use of biochar, a carbon-rich material that can improve soil moisture retention and fertility. While biochar itself does not contain nutrients, it can significantly enhance the effectiveness of organic and mineral amendments, making it an important tool in sustainable soil management practices.
It is important to address the misconception that Africa should completely avoid fertilisers. While fertilisers carry a stigma, FARA is actively working on researching bio-based solutions like biochar to offer scientific alternatives. FARA’s role, in coordination with the African Union Commission, is to provide evidence-based research that can guide policy development and inform public opinion to ensure food security and improve livelihoods across the continent.
What’s the role of the regional ambassador for Africa and its involvement in the Soil Carbon IRC?
The ORCaSa project is important for Africa, particularly concerning soil carbon management. As the regional ambassador for Africa, FARA is working to ensure that African stakeholders are actively involved in the Soil Carbon IRC [more than 34 signatories from 18 African countries have expressly shown their interest in joining the IRC]. Though the IRC is still in its emerging stages, there is significant interest among stakeholders. Many are eager to join and contribute, but sustaining this interest requires ongoing activities that demonstrate clear benefits. Forming an alliance is insufficient; African stakeholders need tangible evidence of how their involvement will positively impact their work.
One of our primary goals is to connect the Soil Carbon IRC’s activities with existing frameworks on the continent, such as the African Union’s Soil Initiative and the 10-Year Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan.These long-term frameworks are critical for ensuring that the Soil Carbon IRC remains active and impactful beyond the lifespan of the ORCaSa project, which is set to conclude in 2025.
What are your objectives and key milestones for the Soil Carbon IRC in Africa moving forward?
We aim to prioritisestrategic engagement. By offering stakeholders opportunities to present research, publish findings, and collaborate on projects, we want to encourage motivation and ensure ongoing participation in the Soil Carbon IRC.
We are working to build partnerships between African researchers and their counterparts in other regions. These exchanges of knowledge and resources are highly valued. I have hope that it will strengthen the Soil Carbon IRC and address Africa’s soil health challenges more effectively.
What does FARA gain from participating in the Soil Carbon IRC and the ORCaSa project?
The ORCaSa project aligns closely with Africa’s broader objectives of improving soil health and agricultural productivity. It provides an invaluable opportunity to expand partnerships, share knowledge, and learn from other regions. One of the key benefits for Africa is the chance to communicate its specific challenges and needs to a global audience. We hope this exposure will lead to increased access to resources, such as funding from the Green Climate Fund, which remains undervalued by African nations.
Through our involvement in the Soil Carbon IRC, FARA aims to elevate Africa’s voice in international discussions regarding soil health and climate change. By sharing insights into the challenges faced by African farmers and ecosystems, we hope to advocate for targeted interventions that address these issues effectively.
By collaborating with international partners and stakeholders, we want to ensure that Africa’s specific needs are recognised and addressed in the global discourse on soil health and agricultural sustainability. The goal is to foster practical solutions that will enhance soil and agricultural management, ultimately contributing to improved livelihoods for millions of people across the continent.
The African Union Commission, under the dynamic leadership of H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, has appointed the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) as the official Secretariat for the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) and the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP). This landmark appointment, announced at the high-level 20th CAADP Partnership Platform (CAADP-PP) meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, represents a significant advancement toward sustainable soil health and fertilizer solutions across Africa.
H.E Amb. Josefa Sacko, AUC-DARBE Commissioner
Ambassador Sacko’s visionary leadership and commitment to agricultural transformation through partnerships and strategic coordination are highlighted by this appointment. In her opening remarks, she called for a unified approach among African organizations, emphasizing that the success of the AFSH-AP and SIA depends on collaboration, not competition. She underscored the necessity of collective commitment to achieve the objectives of the 2024 Presidential Declaration on Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health, which sets forth an ambitious ten-year plan to address Africa’s soil and fertilizer challenges.
Ambassador Sacko’s endorsement of the SIA coordination framework—crafted by a dedicated technical working group—establishes a comprehensive structure for regional and national implementation. This framework assigns FARA as the Secretariat, supported by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) as the lead coordinating entity and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Sub-Regional Organizations (SROs) as regional facilitators through designated hubs. This coalition, organized around five thematic areas, will provide focused support at the continental, regional, and national levels to ensure effective implementation of AFSH-AP objectives.
In a powerful keynote, Prof. Richard Mkandawire emphasized the importance of “Coordination, Cooperation, Capacity, and African Leadership” in advancing AFSH-AP. Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Hon. Vangelis Haritatos, reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to agricultural productivity and soil health, announcing new government investments, including funds to revitalize the Africa Center for Fertilizer Development (ACFD) in Harare, a key step in bolstering Africa’s fertilizer production capacity.
Section of Panelists from the ‘How Not to Implement the AFSH-AP: Learning from Experience’ Panel discussion
A “fireside chat” session, titled “How Not to Implement the AFSH-AP: Learning from Experience,” shed light on critical insights for the successful execution of Africa’s soil health agenda. Panelists, including Deputy Minister Odd Arnesen, Mr. Noel Ujeneza, and Madam Bongiwe Njobe, stressed the urgency of action-oriented leadership, highlighting the need to reduce bureaucracy as other continents advance. They advocated for greater private sector involvement, an enhanced Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM-II), and a blend of mineral and organic fertilizers to strengthen Africa’s agricultural resilience.
The appointment of FARA as the SIA Secretariat is a pivotal moment, inspiring stakeholders to unite under this visionary framework to achieve the ambitious goals of the Soil Initiative for Africa and AFSH-AP. Guided by Ambassador Sacko’s leadership, Africa is poised for a transformative journey toward sustainable agricultural development, unity, and a shared commitment to a food-secure future.
The Ministerial Segment of the Extraordinary Session of the Specialized Technical Committee (STC) on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water, and Environment (ARDWE) opened today with powerful interventions from African Union leaders and partners, as they gathered to deliberate on the future of Africa’s agricultural transformation. With a strong focus on post-Malabo initiatives, including the Common African Agro-Parks #CAAPs and the Soil Health Initiative for Africa (SIA), the session also paid tribute to the leadership of H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.
AUC-DARBE Commissioner H.E Amb. Josefa Correia Sacko
In her opening address, Amb. Sacko emphasized the urgent need for Africa to address critical challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and economic shocks. “We are not on track to meet the targets of the Malabo Declaration or the Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger and nutrition. However, with the right leadership and continued collaboration, we can reverse this trajectory,” she stated. Amb. Sacko also celebrated the collaborative spirit of African leaders, expressing optimism that the continent can realize its agricultural potential through strong political will and partnerships.
Dr. Honore Tabuna,Commissioner for the Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
In an impassioned statement, Dr. TABUNA Honoré, Commissioner for the Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Rural Development of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), spoke on behalf of all the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) of the African Union. He lauded Amb. Sacko for her dynamic leadership and enormous contributions during her tenure, noting her courage and commitment to driving Africa’s agricultural agenda forward. Dr. TABUNA also voiced concerns about the poor progress of many African member states in achieving the goals of the Malabo Declaration. He emphasized the need for a more coordinated, African-led approach to ensure the successful realization of the targets outlined in the post-Malabo agenda.
“The RECs are concerned by the slow progress in meeting the continental goals enshrined in the Malabo Declaration. We call for stronger cooperation and leadership from African states to ensure that the post-Malabo framework achieves its intended goals,” Dr. TABUNA stated, urging for deeper collaboration between national governments, RECs, and the African Union to drive more tangible results.
Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of Uganda
The Chair of the STC, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries of Uganda, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of an actionable post-Malabo process. “The post-Malabo agenda must not remain a set of aspirations on paper; we need actionable plans and commitments from every member state to drive agricultural transformation and ensure food security for all Africans,” Hon. Tumwebaze remarked.
Amb. Sacko also reflected on the critical importance of the Africa Food Safety Agency, which is being considered for final endorsement during this session. “The operationalization of the Africa Food Safety Agency is integral to our goals under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” she said. “It will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our agricultural products meet international standards, opening doors for global market access.”
As the conference continues, African Ministers, development partners, and key stakeholders will deliberate on key policy decisions that will shape the future of Africa’s agricultural landscape, paving the way for the AU Special Summit in January 2025 in Kampala, Uganda.
The Mediterranean region of Africa, including Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Mauritania, faces unique soil challenges. While their soils share similarities with the rest of Africa, they also experience added pressures from low moisture levels, limited vegetation, and biomass yield.
These lands, initially arid, have now become hyper-arid. Key challenges include water scarcity, drought, soil salinization due to irrigation, desertification, erosion, nutrient depletion, low organic carbon, overgrazing, land degradation, soil compaction from mechanized farming, reduced biological activity, and the impact of climate change.
The 4Per1000 Initiative hosted the Mediterranean Regional Conference from October 22-25, 2024, at the Institute of Agriculture and Veterinary, Hassan II, in Rabat, Morocco. During the conference, Prof. Wole Fatunbi, representing the ORCaSa Project and Africa’s International Research Consortium on Soil Carbon (IRC-OC), emphasized the need for Africa to develop its agriculture based on sound science. He noted that Africa must design strategies that reflect its natural resources and socio-economic realities.
Prof. Fatunbi questioned the Agroecology approach of reducing external inputs, which is promoted in some Western and Asian countries. He argued that while this may work elsewhere, Africa needs to incorporate organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and organic materials to improve soil properties. Without this, mineral fertilizers won’t be as effective. He also stressed that mineral fertilizers must be used according to the crop’s specific nutrient needs. This approach would help maintain crop yields and reduce nutrient imbalances.
Prof. Wole Fatunbi, Acting Director of Research and Innovation, FARA
To support this, Prof. Fatunbi proposed the creation of a robust Soil Information System (SIS), which could guide farmers and land users by providing data-driven recommendations on fertilizers and agronomic practices.
Key actions identified to improve soil health and stop land degradation include:
Developing knowledge and technology to align with nature-based solutions.
Advancing the Soil Information System for better decision-making.
Introducing adaptable mechanization for fragile soils in smallholder systems.
Promoting the use of ICT, remote sensing, drones, and robotics in smallholder farming.
Developing nature-friendly soil amendments, such as organic and biofertilizers and eco-friendly mineral fertilizers.
For Africa to succeed in these efforts, stakeholders and member states must collaborate to implement continental frameworks like the Soil Information System (SIS) and the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP), a ten-year initiative to advance soil health.
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.
