Diallo: African countries need to mainstream fertiliser & soil health

Agriculture is the backbone of many African economies, providing livelihoods for millions of people across the continent. However, the health of the soil that supports this vital sector is under threat. Dr. Asseta Diallo, Senior Specialist in Soil Health and Integrated Management at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, emphasizes the urgent need for African countries to prioritize the mainstreaming of fertilizer and soil health into their national development plans. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Dr. Diallo highlighted the pressing issue of soil degradation on the continent, with almost 65% of land classified as degraded. This situation necessitates immediate action to revive the nutrients in the soil and enhance productivity to ensure food security for the growing population. Dr. Diallo emphasized the importance of utilizing quality inputs, including both mineral and organic fertilizers, through integrated soil fertility management. She pointed out the paradoxical scenario in Africa, where the continent exports raw materials for fertilizer production only to import the finished product. Despite significant deposits of natural resources like nitrogen and phosphate within African borders, the majority of fertilizer used on the continent is imported, leading to accessibility challenges for smallholder farmers. Financial constraints, policy barriers, and inadequate infrastructure further exacerbate the issue, hindering the local production and distribution of fertilizers. The recent Nairobi Summit convened by the African Union showcased a commitment from heads of state to address these challenges and support initiatives aimed at boosting fertilizer production by 300% and increasing adoption rates among smallholder farmers by 70%. Dr. Diallo stressed the need for practical actions to translate these commitments into tangible outcomes. She highlighted the critical role of policy reforms at the national and regional levels to facilitate the integration of fertilizer and soil health components into development plans. One of the key focus areas discussed by Dr. Diallo is the 'last mile delivery,' ensuring that technological innovations and private sector investments reach smallholder farmers effectively. By bridging the gap between fertilizer producers and end-users, these initiatives can directly benefit those in need and contribute to agricultural sustainability. In terms of innovative practices and technologies, Dr. Diallo mentioned the importance of managing soil acidity through techniques like liming and organic inputs. She highlighted the 'Zypit' technology being implemented in the Sahel region, which enables farmers with limited resources to optimize fertilizer usage and water retention in a cost-effective manner. These localized solutions demonstrate the potential for scalable and sustainable approaches to enhance soil health and maximize agricultural productivity. As African countries navigate the complex challenges facing their agricultural sectors, the mainstreaming of fertilizer and soil health emerges as a critical priority. By leveraging collaborations between government, private sector, and international partners, the continent can pave the way for a greener, more resilient agricultural future. Dr. Diallo's advocacy for immediate action underscores the urgency of addressing soil degradation and promoting sustainable practices to secure food security and economic stability for generations to come.