Kigali became the epicenter of Africa’s agricultural transformation as experts, policymakers, and private sector leaders gathered for a critical roundtable on the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) and the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA). The event, co-hosted by the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health (CIFSH) and AGRA, in partnership with the Joint Development Partners, brought to light the pressing challenges and opportunities in securing Africa’s agricultural future.
A Shift Toward Domestic Solutions
A key theme that emerged from the discussions was the urgent need to shift from dependency on donor funding to mobilizing domestic resources. Participants stressed that sustainable agricultural transformation in Africa can only be achieved if African governments and African institutions take the lead. By committing national resources, engaging high-level government officials, and ensuring policy alignment with local needs, the continent can drive meaningful progress in soil health initiatives.
“At the heart of Africa’s agricultural transformation is our most critical resource—soil. The discussions in Kigali have underscored the urgent need to move beyond declarations and focus on coordinated actions that restore and sustain soil health,” remarked CIFSH representative Henk van Duijn, President and CEO of International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC).
The roundtable also underscored the instrumental role of the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in driving this transformation. Speakers called for intentional engagement of the private sector in both the coordination and implementation of soil health projects. By harnessing the innovation and agility of SMEs, Africa can scale up efforts to improve soil health and agricultural productivity.
Strategic partnerships emerged as another critical component in the discussions. “The challenges are big and will not be solved by one institution. AGRA is proud to co-lead and partner with the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health to address the critical challenges facing Africa’s agriculture. By working together, we can unlock the continent’s agricultural potential and ensure a more sustainable and prosperous future for all,” said Professor Tilahun Amede, Director of Climate Adaptation, Sustainable Agriculture and Resilience at AGRA. He also emphasized the importance of localized solutions to strengthen farmers’ innovations and last-mile delivery.
“At the heart of Africa’s agricultural transformation is our most critical resource—soil. The discussions in Kigali have underscored the urgent need to move beyond declarations and focus on coordinated actions that restore and sustain soil health.”
Henk van Duijn, IFDC PResident & CEO
Participants highlighted the importance of collaborating with insurance and financing institutions to provide the financial backing necessary to sustain long-term efforts. The Africa Fertilizer Financing Mechanism (AFFM) was identified as a key tool to leverage private sector resources and scale up soil health initiatives.
Data-Driven Approaches for Effective Implementation
The importance of implementing robust data collection and monitoring systems was emphasized to ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed. By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and focusing on areas with the highest impact potential, stakeholders can make informed decisions that drive the success of soil health programs.
Enhancing Cross-Learning and Synergy Across Levels
As a key outcome of the roundtable, participants emphasized the importance of cross-learning and synergy at various levels. Regional hubs will be essential in fostering cross-border knowledge exchange and technology sharing among countries. At the continental level, efforts will focus on coordinating actions and ensuring effective collaboration between regional hubs, continental bodies, and global partners. This approach aims to enhance synergy, streamline coordination, and facilitate the sharing of best practices and innovations across regions and continents, strengthening Africa’s collective capacity to address soil health and agricultural challenges.
From Policy to Action: The Next Steps
Keynote speaker Antony Chapoto, Executive Director of the Africa Network of Agricultural Policy Research Institutes (ANAPRI), underscored the critical need for Africa to move from policy declarations to real, actionable implementation. “To truly transform Africa’s agricultural landscape, we must move beyond mere declarations and commit to concrete, localized actions,” he asserted. “This requires African-led initiatives that engage all stakeholders and address local needs. It’s time for increased investment in research and development and the implementation of a robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning system. We must also streamline our efforts, ensuring that resources are directed efficiently and effectively at the national level. Only through these measures can we achieve meaningful progress and secure a sustainable future for our continent’s food systems.”
The roundtable concluded with a resounding call to action: the vision of a food-secure Africa, supported by resilient and fertile soils, must be realized through coordinated, Africa-led efforts. This includes the development of regional hubs, the engagement of countries ready to advance Soil Health and Fertilizer Use (SHFU) initiatives, and the continuous leveraging of existing knowledge and resources.
As Africa stands at a critical juncture in its agricultural journey, the discussions in Kigali have set the stage for transformative action. With coordinated efforts, robust partnerships, and a focus on sustainability, Africa has a unique opportunity to secure its food future, ensuring a future in which its soils remain healthy and productive. The outcomes of this roundtable will play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of Africa’s agricultural policies, as stakeholders across the continent come together to implement the vision of a food secure Africa. “By mobilizing domestic and international resources, involving research and knowledge centers, engaging the private sector, and forming strategic partnerships, we can secure Africa’s agricultural future and ensure that our soils remain fertile for generations to come,” added van Duijn.
About the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health
The Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health (CIFSH) is a consortium of leading organizations, including the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). CIFSH is dedicated to addressing soil health and fertilizer challenges in Africa by fostering collaboration with regional and national stakeholders to drive sustainable agricultural practices across the continent.
About AGRA
Established in 2006, AGRA is an African-led, 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.
For more information about the Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health, please contact:
Barbra Sehlule Muzata
Communications Advisor
Coalition of Implementors for Fertilizers and Soil Health
B.Muzata@cgiar.org
