The African Union Commission (AUC) has designated the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) as the Secretariat for two major initiatives: the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) and the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP). Announced at the 20th CAADP Partnership Platform meeting in Harare, this appointment is a significant step toward addressing Africa's soil health and fertilizer access challenges, vital for sustainable agriculture and food security across the continent.
Under this mandate, FARA will spearhead efforts to restore soil quality, enhance fertilizer availability, and boost agricultural productivity. The Secretariat will play a central role in implementing the 2024 Presidential Declaration on Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health, a decade-long strategy aimed at reversing soil degradation and revitalizing Africa's agricultural sector.
H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, AUC Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, highlighted the critical role of collective action: “Success in achieving the goals of AFSH-AP and SIA hinges on collaboration, not competition. Collective action across African institutions is crucial for improving soil health and ensuring sustainable fertiliser access, essential for realizing Africa’s food security ambitions.”
The initiative’s implementation framework includes partnerships with AUDA-NEPAD, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Sub-Regional Organizations (SROs) to support regional and national efforts. FARA’s leadership will span five thematic areas focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, soil health, and effective fertilizer use.
Agricultural development advocate Prof. Richard Mkandawire emphasized the need for “Coordination, Cooperation, Capacity, and African Leadership” to drive success. Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Vangelis Haritatos, announced substantial investments in soil health and the re-establishment of the Africa Center for Fertilizer Development (ACFD) in Harare, reinforcing Africa’s fertiliser production capacity.
With coordinated efforts on soil restoration, fertilizer accessibility, and innovation, the initiative is set to enhance agricultural resilience and strengthen food security across Africa, supporting a sustainable future for African farmers and communities.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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