The objective of the AFSH Summit 2024 was to convene relevant stakeholders to underscore the pivotal role of fertilizer and soil health in driving sustainable, pro-poor productivity growth in African agriculture. The summit also aimed to secure agreement on an African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, alongside the Soils Initiative for Africa.
Expected Outcomes
The summit successfully endorsed a 10-year Action Plan, which will offer concrete recommendations for steps that African leaders and stakeholders should take over the next decade. This action plan serves as a focal point for new policies and investments, empowering farmers to rebuild soil health, increase yield responses, and enhance the profitability of fertilizers. It was anticipated that the Action Plan would gain the support of leading public and private sector partners across Africa. Key elements include:
1. The Nairobi Declaration
2. A 10-year Action Plan
3. The Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA)
4. A mechanism for financing the Action Plan (post-Summit implementation process)
President Ruto emphasized the necessity for Africa to prioritize the local manufacturing of affordable fertilizers to enhance farm productivity and advance food security. His leadership in advocating for local fertilizer production is crucial for achieving sustainable agriculture and food security in Kenya.
Africa must work towards securing affordable, high-quality, and accessible fertilizers through local manufacturing. By doing so, we can boost farm productivity and propel our progress toward food security.
During the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi County, it was noted that while some African countries produce fertilizer, most rely heavily on imports, making fertilizers prohibitively expensive for farmers. Despite the existence of the African Center for Fertilizer Development in Zimbabwe since the 1980s, its potential has not been fully realized.
We must optimize the use of existing continental assets to enhance local fertilizer production and ensure that African farmers have access to quality fertilizers at affordable prices. This is imperative if we are to strengthen the continent’s agricultural sector, which is vital for our food sovereignty and security. These investments should also be reflected in national budgets, as emphasized by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
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