Research and Development (R&D) sub-projects led by Scientists under the Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA), were on display at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil health Summit held from May 7 to 9, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. This was a high-level initiative which brought together African leaders and key stakeholders in the agriculture sector to highlight the crucial role of fertilizer and soil health in productivity growth in African agriculture and its operational instruments. <
APPSA is a six-year World Bank funded initiative currently being implemented by the Republic of Angola and the Kingdom of Lesotho and regionally overseen by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA). Both countries are collaborating in the implementation of 43 R&D sub-projects in areas of regional importance, including fertilizer and soil health related issues.
Eight (8) APPSA R&D Scientists showcased samples and publications on biochar, vermi compost, conservation agriculture, regenerative agriculture, alternatives to avoid soil pollution and nitrogen fixation of beans for soil fertility. The exhibition attracted over 500 visitors to the CCARDESA booth, including high level policy and decision makers, funding institutions, academia, agro-dealers, farmers, and other stakeholders.
The CCARDESA booth was privileged to be visited by H.E. Ambassador Josefa Sacko, who is the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE). Dr Sacko was impressed with the work displayed by the Scientists and encouraged CCARDESA and the Scientists to continue generating and sharing improved technologies within their countries and beyond.
Other dignitaries who visited the CCARDESA stand and appreciated the work done by the Scientists, included Ministers responsible for Agriculture from Angola and Lesotho, H.E. António Assis and H.E. Thabo Mofosi, respectively. The Ministers also pledged their commitment to continue supporting APPSA research initiatives in the remaining period of project implementation in Angola and Lesotho.
The Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit hosted over 2000 delegates under the theme, “Listen to the land”. The summit deep dived on the state of Africa’s soil health and the progress made since the 2006 Abuja Declaration, which aimed to boost fertilizer use for agricultural growth. The event ended with the endorsement by Heads of State of: (1) the Nairobi Declaration, (2) the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA), and (3) the Mechanism to finance the Action Plan.
