By Anita Omwenga
Tuesday March 11, 2025
The Heinrich Boell Foundation has unveiled a report highlighting the alarming state of agricultural soils in Kenya and its critical impacts on food and nutritional security.
The Report dubbed the Soil Atlas – Kenya Edition has revealed that only 20 percent of Kenya’s land is fit for cultivation, hence jeopardizing food production and sustainability in the country.
According to the report, over 40 percent of East Africa’s soils are degraded, threatening agriculture, food security, and livelihoods.
In Kenya, the situation is dire with the only 20 percent of croplands being arable and an alarming loss of up to 26 tons of soil per hectare annually due to soil erosion. Furthermore, soil salinization affects 40 percent of irrigated land.
Director Heinrich Boell Foundation Joachim Paul while speaking during the launch of the report in Nairobi expressed concern over the condition of the soil saying that soil degradation is undermining agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, thus exacerbating food insecurity.
“Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources,” said Paul, adding that its health influences the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
He observed that alarming data in the report shows that 63 per cent of arable land is affected by acidity, 80 per cent of soils suffers from phosphorus deficiency and 75 per cent of Kenya’s soils have depleted organic carbon levels, thereby reducing soil fertility and microbial activity.
“Protecting soil is not just an agricultural concern alone, but it is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security, and climate resilience, particularly in Africa,” he said.
He noted that the 2024 African Soil Health and Fertilizer Summit acknowledged the need for holistic solutions and that policy must support sustainable farming practices like agroecology to restore soil fertility.
“Over-reliance on fertilizers alone, is not the solution to Kenya’s soil health crisis. Studies suggest that increased fertilizer use does not always result in better agricultural yields,” he added.
Lead Programme Coordinator, Agroecology and Food Rights at Heinrich Boell Foundation Dr. Harun Warui said sustainable soil management will not only protect the soil, but also enhance the nutritional value of the food we consume.
Warui said that agroecology offers a sustainable path forward by integrating biodiversity, soil management, and organic inputs such as organic fertilizer and bio-pesticides.
Studies show that agroecological farming can improve yields by up to 30 percent while reducing dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers,” he said.
He opined that a shift toward organic inputs, sustainable soil practices, and dietary diversity is crucial for long-term nutrition security.
“Investing in agroecological practices will not only restore soil fertility but also build resilience against climate change,” he added.
Project Coordinator, Route to Food Initiative Christine Gatwiri said sustainable soil restoration practices, including organic inputs and diverse cropping systems, are essential for long-term nutrition security, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“Healthy soils lead to nutrient-dense crops, which in turn support human health and reduce reliance on external fortification,” she said.
Gatwiri acknowledged the government’s commitment to food fortification through mandatory large-scale fortification policies, adding that we must address the root cause of nutrient-deficient soils.
On her part, an organic farmer from Ndeiya, Kiambu County, Sylvia Kuria said that Kenyan farmers are adopting alternative soil restoration methods like bio fertilizers, composting, and agroforestry to improve soil health and productivity.
“Soil is not an infinite resource, it is a living, breathing system that requires care, investment, and respect,” said Kuria, adding that we must move beyond seeing soil as just dirt beneath our feet.
Kuria added that protecting and restoring soil health is vital for ensuring food security, protecting biodiversity, and addressing climate change.