Kenya’s agricultural potential at 25% owing to depleting soil health: FOLU

KENYA – A new study by Food and Land Use (FOLU) has revealed that Kenya’s agricultural sector, the country’s economic backbone, only realizes 25 percent of the total potential yields.

Unveiled during this year’s World Soil Day summit in Nairobi by Food and Land Use (FOLU), the study says the under-performance is largely attributed to the rapid depletion of critical micro and macronutrients in the soil such as phosphorus, essential for optimal plant growth and yields.

Folu noted that with approximately 63 percent of Kenya’s arable land suffering from soil acidity, only between one and eight percent of farmers adopt the appropriate use of lime for managing this acidity.

“This is coupled with the compounding impact of climate change, including prolonged droughts and persistent rains leading to floods highlighting the pressing need for urgent action to address soil health in Kenya’s food system.”

Speaking during the launch of the conference, State Department of Crop Development and Research PS Paul Ronoh, said there is still much that needs to be done towards addressing soil health, and further transforming the country’s food systems.

According to him, the nexus between soil health and land use is strongly correlated.

“Improving soil health through appropriate land use practices is vital for intensification of agriculture production, thus enhancing food security and protecting the environment,” Ronoh said.

He called for collaborative efforts with multiple stakeholders, as the strategic approach will aspire to establish a food system that nourishes its people, protects the planet, and drives the economy.

Kenya Food Systems and Land Use Action Plan 2024-2030 launched 

Also during the conference, the Kenya Food Systems and Land Use Action Plan 2024-2030 which makes recommendations on building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food system for Kenya was launched.

The strategic plan seeks to prioritize key issues such as sustainable land use, productive and regenerative agriculture, healthy diets, reducing food loss and waste, protecting and restoring nature and whole system transition through gender, youth, and social inclusion.

It will focus on five key areas; healthy diets; productive and regenerative agriculture; protecting and restoring nature; food loss and waste; and youth and social inclusion.

On his part, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) vice president Hamadi Boga lauded the action plan saying if Kenya will build on the momentum generated by a national consultative process, the evidence-based recommendations will be a step in furthering the conversation of the country’s food system transformation.

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