BvAT ED Dr. Amudavi at the EU’s Side Event; “Monitoring soil health and soil health investments at different scales” at AFSH24

Given the increased recognition of the importance of soil health and the enhanced focus on sustainable soil management practices, the demand and need for soil health assessment is ever growing. It is against this backdrop that the Africa Fertilizer & Soil Health Summit was organised in Nairobi from the 7th to 9th of May 2024.

Agricultural enthusiasts converged in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Environment (DARBE) of the African Union, in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD, RECs, and partners. The summit delegates discussed various issues around fertiliser and soil health in Africa and the implications on the agricultural, health, and social well-being of the continent. This took place through a series of exhibitions, side events, and plenary sessions.

BvAT was well represented in these discussions with its Executive Director Dr. David Amudavi, participating in a side event hosted by the European Commission (EC). The event focused on ‘Emerging opportunities with organic and bio-fertilizers for soil health in Africa

The objective of the EU Parallel side event was to raise awareness regarding the realities and the potential of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers in Africa and to identify pathways to boost the production and use of these inputs to address soil health and food production productivity. In this parallel session the results of the scoping study were shared, and several panellists shared their views and perspectives regarding the potential of commercial organic fertilizer and biofertilizer production.

The session kicked off with a Keynote presentation ‘on an EU-funded “Scoping study” on Exploring the off-farm Production of Organic and Biofertilizers in Africa, done by Prof. Bernhard Freyer, (Institute of Organic Farming, BOKU University of Natural Resources, Austria); followed by a panel discussion. With a view to inform policy dialogue addressing the fertiliser crisis and food security challenges, and for promoting an integrated approach to soil health management, the EU (DG INTPA) commissioned a scoping study on the off-farm production and marketing of organic fertilizers and biofertilizers in 12 case study countries in Africa.

The study addresses the use and acceptance of off-fam organic fertilizers and biofertilizers, the potential development of these inputs especially by recycling urban wastes, the marketing systems, the support services (research and advisory services), the national policies and regulatory framework.

Dr. Amudavi, in his keynote speech intervened on ‘AU Ecological Organic Agriculture initiative and its contribution to the post-Malabo Declaration, and role for organic and bio-fertilisers in the EOA initiative’.

He highlighted significant opportunities for promoting organic and bio fertilizers in Africa. He pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key platform that can enhance the development of this sector by facilitating trade among African countries, particularly in sustainable production inputs. Additionally, he emphasized the growing market demand for organically and environmentally produced foods, which creates further opportunities for the adoption of organic and bio fertilizers.

Dr. Amudavi also mentioned the political goodwill and mechanisms, such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), that hold member states accountable for their agricultural investments. He noted that the biannual review reporting mechanism recognizes the importance of organic fertilizers, presenting another crucial opportunity for growth in this sector.

On the other hand, Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, Director General of ICIPE, stated that our livelihoods and health rely on healthy soil, which includes minerals and the life beneath the surface. He noted that the research conducted by ICIPE aims to boost crop productivity by increasing mineral availability and restoring life in the soil.

Other keynote speakers that participated in the event included Dr. Oscar Aghan (Chief Executive Officer, Eco Bio Fertilizer company), Dr. Abdou Tenkouano (Director General ICIPE), Ms. Musa Sowe (President NACOFAG, The Gambia), Prof. Bernhard Freyer (BOKU University),Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu (Director of IFAD’s East and Southern Africa (ESA)) and Ms. Carla Montesi (Director DG/INTPA European Commission)

Prepared by Hudson Were