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Revitalising Africa’s Soils and Landscapes is Key for Enhancing our Food Security and Climate Resilience

By Tilahun Amede

This year’s environment day theme of accelerating land restoration aligns perfectly with Africa’s need to revitalize its soils, a critical yet often overlooked solution to Africa’s ongoing challenges of agricultural productivity. Healthy soils and landscapes have a direct positive influence on our livelihoods and environment.

Land degradation in Africa is severe, while the continent’s soil organic content falls below the benchmark. Land degradation, which includes soil erosion, desertification, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, poses a significant risk to food systems, especially in Africa, where agriculture forms the backbone of many economies and sustains the livelihoods of many people. According to FAO’s, State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, 2022 report, over 58% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa experiences moderate to severe food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by declining soil health.

The soil and fertilizer summit highlighted the crucial role of soil health in Africa’s food systems. Case in point, the severe soil erosion in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley region has led to a significant decrease in agricultural yields, ranging from 30% to 50%. Decline in soil health not only affected plant nutrient supply but also aggravated drought effects. This decline has had a profound impact on food availability for millions of people. Similarly, in the Southern region of Africa, countries like Malawi and Zimbabwe have seen a 30% decrease in maize yields, which is the staple crop for the region.

These statistics paint a clear picture of the interconnectedness between soil health and food security.

Another significance of soil health that became apparent during the summit is its intrinsic link to climate change mitigation. Soil could be the single most important resource to enhance both food security and climate change mitigation in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, soils can also operate as climate change solutions; significantly more carbon is stored in the world’s soils than in the atmosphere. It is unfortunate that African countries, reliant on natural resources, are among the most impacted by climate change. Currently, 17 out of the 20 countries most impacted by climate change are in Africa, partly due to limited investment in managing their soils and landscapes.

The recent flooding in Kenya and the drought in Zimbabwe clearly depict extreme weather patterns exacerbated by climate change. In Kenya, severe flooding has displaced thousands of people, destroyed crops, and eroded fertile soils, further diminishing the agricultural productivity and response capacity of affected regions.

With a healthy climate comes healthy soils, meaning enhanced water retention, reduced erosion, and increased resilience against extreme weather patterns. By investing in soil health, African countries can better withstand the adverse effects of climate change that affect our lands. Additionally, healthy soils are also producing nutrient dense, healthy food. It also hosts of a wide array of organisms that contribute to biodiversity, which is crucial for the ecosystem’s stability and resilience. Diverse soil ecosystems can support plant health and growth, reduce the prevalence of pests and diseases, and enhance nutrient cycling.

Healthy soils require integrated management, which includes i) application of balanced nutrients, coming from organic and mineral sources; ii) they should be enriched by organic matter through application of manure, compost, crop residue and other sources; iii) acidic and saline soils should be conditioned through application of lime and other soil conditioners; iv) our soils should be protected from wind and water erosion, v) they should not be frequently plowed to conserve the carbon and soil water and vi) most importantly, the soil microbial biodiversity should receive as much attention.

Evidently, enhancing soil health will be one of the most important environmental factors for ensuring the survival of humanity during the 21st century. This key factor will likely be more important than ever before as the expanding global human population faces the unprecedented challenges of a rapidly changing climate.

It is up to us- policymakers, development partners, farmers, and scientists, to recognize and act upon this information and provide solutions to manage and restore our soils. By restoring our soils, we can enhance productivity, combat climate change and preserve biodiversity.

The time to act is now!

**The Author is the Director of climate change, Sustainable Productivity and Resilience at AGRA and a Professor of Systems Agronomy**

We Need Tailored Solutions to Empower Women in African Agribusiness

By Fahreen Chudasama, Director Development Cooperation

In the competitive African agribusiness sector, smaller Agri-SMEs run and owned by women frequently face disproportionate disruptions to their operations.

The pivotal roles played by women across the agriculture value chain, coupled with Africa’s burgeoning number of women entrepreneurs, underscore the urgency for targeted support to fortify their enterprises against the challenges they face.

Women make up more than 50% of Africa’s population and 80% of them reside in rural areas. Over 60% are employed in rural areas in the agriculture sector. Given the limited capacity of other sectors to absorb the growing labor force, agriculture will remain important for employment and livelihoods for the foreseeable future for young people in both farming and related activities.

With Africa predicted to be home to 25% of the world’s population by 2050, African agriculture and food systems MUST be inclusive with women and young ppl being at the forefront of our future solutions. AGRA’s mission is to fill in the gaps by supporting the inclusive transformation of the ecosystem.

A shining example of this mission is the African Resilience and Investment Series for Women Executives (ARISE) program. ARISE, which was created to give women in agribusiness the tools they need to secure money and negotiate the complex post-pandemic financial landscape, is evidence of Africa’s dedication to women’s empowerment and gender equality. ARISE’s training courses are carefully designed to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary information and abilities to succeed in the dynamic business world.

Moreover, ARISE doesn’t merely scratch the surface; it delves deep into bridging the gaps between the internal workings of Agri-MSMEs and the expectations of private investors. By addressing crucial aspects such as the vision and mindset of business leaders, management skills, financial reporting processes, and understanding investors’ expectations, ARISE ensures that women-led enterprises are well-positioned for success.

The program’s approach extends beyond traditional training methods, incorporating innovative strategies to boost engagement and empower participants. From hosting tailored seminars to address the diverse needs of MSMEs navigating financing complexities, to enhancing understanding of business development services and bolstering the self-esteem of women executives. ARISE leaves no stone unturned in its quest to level the playing field for women in agribusiness.

However, navigating the path to empowerment is not without its challenges. Despite drawing significant registration numbers, ARISE grapples with the issue of securing active participation, particularly in virtual training sessions. This underscores the complexities inherent in engaging MSMEs in remote learning environments and emphasizes the need for ongoing adaptation and innovation to overcome these barriers.

As ARISE continues to evolve and refine its approach, it remains essential to stay attuned to the evolving needs of its members. Conducting thorough assessments and needs analyses enables ARISE to tailor its responses effectively, ensuring that women entrepreneurs receive the support they need to thrive in a rapidly changing business landscape.

ARISE is poised to make even greater strides in empowering women-led MSMEs, particularly those with growth-oriented models. By expanding offerings such as the Gender-Smart Executives program, ARISE aims to propel these businesses forward, driving engagement, registration, and creating additional value in the process.

As ARISE reaffirms its commitment to guiding women-led MSMEs towards a future defined by prosperity and possibility, it underscores Africa’s unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

Through resilience, innovation, and collaboration, the enhanced ARISE Program illuminates’ pathways towards a more sustainable and inclusive agribusiness sector, where women’s empowerment is not just a goal but a reality for all.

Kitui Farmers See Success with introduction of Regenerative Agriculture Practices

KITUI COUNTY, 4^th June 2024: Smallholder farmers in Kitui county have seen success with the introduction of regenerative agriculture practices to their farms. This comes after AGRA, in collaboration with its implementing partner the Cereal Growers Association, introduced the Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture (STRAK) program in the county.

The Strengthening Regenerative Agriculture program advocates for adopting agricultural policies in county governments and resilience through home gardens, water conservation, poultry keeping and agroforestry. The Project, funded by the IKEA Foundation and AGRA, has had a successful first and second phase.

The project has proved to be beneficial to farmers with 91% of farmers reporting substantial increases in crop yields by incorporating regenerative agriculture practices. A further 54% of farmers observed improved water retention, signifying a positive impact on water conservation efforts. The project has also influenced soil health, with 52% of farmers noting improvement in soil quality. Regenerative agriculture practices have also contributed to environmental preservation, as 45% of farmers have witnessed reduced soil erosion.

During a courtesy call to Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, AGRA and CGA made a presentation detailing the progress that the project has made in the county.

“Regenerative agriculture practices have proved to have economic advantages, with 32% of farmers realizing cost savings. An additional 16% of farmers observed a significant increase in the availability of animal feeds, underscoring the multifaceted positive outcomes associated with adopting RA,” said Dr. Kiwia during his presentation.

The courtesy call was then followed by a farmer’s field day that saw farmers from around the county gather at a demo farm to receive information and training on how to incorporate regenerative agriculture practices into their farms.

The farmers field day also allowed the Village Based Advisors to showcase the success of the regenerative agriculture techniques that include use of ripping to reduce soil disturbance, zai pits, incorporating agroforestry as well as livestock integration and home gardens.

In attendance was chief guest, County Executive Commissioner for Agriculture in Kitui County Dr. Stephen Kimwele, who stressed the importance of sector players:

“This farmer’s day is a testimony that despite climate change, we can still do well in agriculture. As far as seed distribution is concerned, the county government will work with the national government to ensure that all agrovets sell genuine certified seeds,” said Dr. Kimwele.

Farmers have gained a wealth of knowledge on Regenerative Agriculture, spanning a wide spectrum from seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals to effective storage methods. AGRA’s commitment lies in bridging the gap between suppliers and farmers, ensuring that agricultural products, brands, and the knowledge and skills needed to utilize them are readily accessible to farmers.

Also present, CGA Regenerative Agriculture Project Manager, George Maguka, reported:

“The partnership between CGA and AGRA has been very instrumental for the farmers. We have reached 47,000 farmers directly with training and capacity building through our 310 Village Based Advisors (VBAs),” said Maguka.

About AGRA

Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led and Africa-based institution dedicated to placing smallholder farmers at the core of the continent’s burgeoning economy. AGRA’s mission is to transform agriculture from a mere struggle for survival into a thriving business. In collaboration with its partners, AGRA catalyzes and sustains an inclusive agricultural transformation aimed at increasing incomes and enhancing food security in 11 countries.

About CGA:

The Cereal Growers Association (CGA) is a leading agricultural organization in Kenya dedicated to promoting the interests of cereal farmers and advancing sustainable farming practices. CGA plays a pivotal role in providing training and support to farmers in various regions to enhance food security and rural livelihoods.

KTDA PARTNERS WITH CO-OPERATIVE BANK OF KENYA AND GLOBAL GREEN FUND ECO.BUSINESS FUND TO IMPLEMENT ITS ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) INITIATIVES

Nairobi 2nd May 2024 Directors affiliated with KTDA-run factories are set to benefit from capacity building and training on Environmental Social and Governance initiatives under a partnership between the Co-operative Bank and green financing fund Eco.business Fund.

Under the partnership, KDTA Holding will utilize support from the two institutions to enable it to implement its Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) initiative aimed at strengthening the resilience of the smallholder tea value chain. KTDA’s ESG initiative are aimed at enabling smallholder tea farmers and factories to develop economic resilience while adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices that will enable the sector to combat the diverse effects and challenges posed by climate change.

KTDA plays an important role in improving the livelihoods of tea communities by promoting sustainable growth and prosperity for the smallholder tea sector with a direct and indirect impact on the markets and communities where it operates.

The key objective of the partnership is to build capacity for tea sector players especially the leadership through sector-related ESG pillars and ensure that the sector continues to support the socio-economic needs of the more than 700,000 smallholder tea farmers under KTDA management. The initiative targets over 400 Board Members, Independent Directors, Factory Directors, and senior leadership at all levels.

Commenting on the partnership, Co-operative Bank’s Group Managing Director & CEO Dr Gideon Muriuki said, “Co-op Bank implemented an ESG roadmap in 2022 which integrated ESG imperatives in all its operations. As such, this partnership is one of many strategic initiatives that the bank is involved in providing capacity building and technical support to the farmers”.

Co-operative Bank became the first Kenyan financial institution to secure funding from the Eco.business Fund in 2021 when it secured an investment of $10 million as a subordinated loan for onward lending to sustainable agribusinesses.

“Eco.business Fund Development Facility, in collaboration with KTDA and Cooperative Bank, co-sponsored this insightful event for the KTDA board and senior management, shedding light on crucial environmental and social issues in Kenya’s smallholder tea production,’’ said Hector Gomez Ang, Fund Director of eco.business Fund advised by Finance in Motion GmbH.

‘‘We need to address challenges like climate change, biodiversity, and their impact on livelihoods by exploring the potential for innovative adaptation solutions. Our partnership helps pave the way for sustainable growth in the tea industry by enabling the tea sector to harness modern factory equipment to extract valuable tea derivatives for pharmaceutical use and exploring the creation of alternative tea-based beverages like iced teas and tea wine.” He added.

KTDA Holdings has tasked the Climate Action Committee of its board and Foundation to lead and implement this joint program touching on the 12 KTDA Zones with 71 factories in operation.

Speaking in the just concluded governance and ESG training for KTDA board and senior management, KTDA Group Chief Executive, Wilson Muthaura noted that,

“Matters related to climate change can no longer be ignored as they have an impact on tea production which is rain-fed. Variations in weather have a direct impact on tea production, the only way to ensure farmers have a sustained tea business is by implementing actions that mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.”

The KTDA Foundation plans to roll out climate action activities geared towards greening the smallholder tea value chain and enhancing the adaptive capacity of the sector which is a key GDP driver of the Kenyan economic prosperity.

The eco.business was initiated in 2014 by KfW Development Bank, Conservation International and impact asset manager, Finance in Motion, with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Finance in Motion has served as Fund Advisor since the inception of the fund.

The eco.business Fund provides dedicated financing and technical assistance to local financial institutions and businesses that are committed to implementing sustainable practices in unique ecological landscapes both in Latin America and the Caribbean and in sub-Saharan Africa. The fund aims to promote business and consumption practices that contribute to biodiversity conservation, to the sustainable use of natural resources and to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.