Soil degradation, erosion, and climate change are taking a toll on Africa’s farmers, threatening food security and livelihoods.
The complexities of agricultural development in Africa, particularly in West Africa, where soil fertility is declining, and competing claims on land are increasing have given reason for concern.
At a World Soil Day webinar themed “Healthy Soils for a Resilient Future,” organized by the Soil Values Program, experts warned that Africa must act quickly to halt worsening soil degradation threatening food security across the continent.
IFDC President and CEO Hank van Duijn, during a presentation said farmers are increasingly struggling with nutrient loss driven by erosion, soil degradation, and climate change.
He stressed that restoring soil health is essential for improving yields and ensuring farmers can “grow more” despite the mounting pressures. “It’s up to us to restore soils, we can contribute to soil health every day,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Eric Smeling, a soil specialist with a PhD from Wageningen University, described Africa’s agricultural landscape as highly dynamic and increasingly strained.
He warned that declining soil fertility, coupled with competing land-use pressures, particularly in areas where pastoralism meets sedentary farming is pushing some countries close to the point where they may no longer be able to feed their populations.
He also highlighted that Africa is nearing ecological limits, especially in the race to keep carbon within terrestrial ecosystems.
With the continent projected to add 300 million more people in the next 25 years, he urged the private sector to actively invest in soil restoration rather than wait for donor-driven solutions stressing the importance of investing in Africa’s youth.
‘‘The continent has a demographic advantage as other regions face rapid aging. Every coin has two sides, and young people must be central to long-term soil and agricultural resilience.’’ He said.
The webinar concluded with calls for stronger partnerships, evidence-based action, and inclusive strategies to safeguard soil health and build a resilient agricultural future for Africa.
By Sarah Apenkroh
