In response to increasingly acidic soil, Kenyan farmers are shifting from industrial farming methods. Benson Wanjala, once a successful maize farmer in western Kenya, now cultivates vegetables on a smaller plot near Nairobi. His yields dwindled over the years due to acidifying fertilizers, forcing him to relocate and switch crops.
Despite initial success with vegetable farming, Wanjala noticed declining yields again, suspecting overuse of inorganic fertilizers as the cause. This reflects a broader issue among small-scale farmers dealing with soil degradation and urban farming pressures.
Priscilla Wakarera, a soil scientist and CEO of Rhea, highlights the overuse of fertilizers and the resulting high soil acidity, which hinders nutrient absorption by plants. Her company offers soil testing services to help farmers manage soil health. Wakarera advocates for regenerative agriculture, promoting bio-fertilizers and sustainable practices.
Farmers like John Mburu Gitu have seen improvements after soil testing, while experts like Elizabeth Opolo from Greenpeace Africa warn against overusing synthetic fertilizers and support sustainable practices like intercropping and crop rotation.
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) reports that 63% of Kenya's arable land is acidic, leading to decreased maize production and increased food imports. This issue extends beyond Kenya, with Africa spending $60 billion annually on food imports despite holding 65% of the world's uncultivated arable land.
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