Africa Takes Aim at Food Insecurity with New Fertiliser Action Plan

By Charity Chikara

15.05.24

African leaders have adopted a comprehensive plan to combat food insecurity and improve soil health across the continent.

The 2nd Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Summit, held in Nairobi and chaired by Kenyan President Dr. Ruto yielded the Nairobi Declaration on Fertiliser and Soil Health, which outlines a 10-Year Action Plan.

This ambitious plan aims to triple domestic production and distribution of fertilisers by 2034. Strengthening research and development in fertiliser use and soil health is another key focus, including revitalizing the Africa Centre for Fertiliser Development in Harare.

The declaration emphasized the full operation of the Africa Fertiliser Financing Mechanism. Leaders also called for private sector investment in fertiliser production and sustainable soil management practices.

The recently held 14th Cabinet briefing informed that President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa stressed the importance of education and extension services to improve fertilizer use. He commended the African Development Bank’s Fertiliser Fund and advocated for public-private partnerships to develop new fertiliser production technologies.