Rising Use of chemical Fertilizers Puts African Agriculture in Crisis, Deep Impact on Soil Quality

Farmers across Africa are attributing the increasing acidity of their soil to the use of chemical fertilizers, which has led to a significant decline in crop production. Despite possessing 65% of the world's remaining arable land, Africa faces a major challenge, spending around $60 billion annually on food imports due to deteriorating soil health. Two and a half decades ago, when Benson Wanjala began farming in his village in Western Kenya, his 10 acres of land could yield 200 sacks of maize. Today, that yield has plummeted to just 30 sacks. Wanjala reports that his once fertile soil is now nearly barren and no longer supports his livelihood.

Declining Soil Quality Due to Chemical Fertilizers:

Recent years, the use of acidic fertilizers has surged across African nations. Farmers initially adopted these fertilizers to boost crop yields. In 2008, Kenya’s government introduced fertilizer subsidies, making chemical fertilizers more accessible to small-scale farmers. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, 63% of Kenya's arable land has now become acidic, resulting in reduced production of key crops such as maize, horticulture, and tea. The Food and Agriculture Organization reported a 4% drop in maize production in 2022, which fell to 44 million tons, though the cause was not specified.

As Africa struggles to become self-sufficient in food production, soil health issues are escalating. Despite having 65% of the world’s remaining arable land, Africa spends about $60 billion each year on food imports. With rising demand and changing consumption patterns, this expenditure is projected to reach $110 billion by 2025.

Need for Crop Rotation and Compost:

Experts recommend that farmers adopt crop rotation and utilize compost materials from animals such as goats to restore soil fertility. There is a need for a transition and adaptation to improve soil health. Soil acidity reduces the availability of essential nutrients, leading to land degradation and increased susceptibility to erosion. The use of chemical fertilizers has notably damaged soil quality across Africa.

African Union's Soil Health Initiative: During a soil health summit organized by the African Union, which had previously recommended increased use of chemical fertilizers in 2006, a 10-year plan was adopted. This plan aims to triple the use of both organic and chemical fertilizers by boosting investment in local production and enhancing output. AU Agriculture Commissioner Josepha Lionel Corea Sako stated that the continent loses $4 billion worth of soil nutrients annually. The deteriorating quality of soil continues to be a major concern for food security in Africa.

Measures to Reduce Soil Acidity: The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has advised farmers to test their soil for acidity and apply lime to counteract high acidity levels. However, farmers find both soil testing and lime application to be costly and limited. Soil testing services are available through government agricultural agencies, public universities, and private organizations at prices ranging from $20 to $40.