WILLAGRI
Soil fertility in West Africa is a crucial issue for agricultural productivity and food security in the region. Challenges related to soil fertility management include, inter alia, the impacts of climate change, population growth and agricultural practices. A study by the Farm Foundation (https://fondation-farm.org/engrais-et-fertilite-des-sols-en-afrique-de-louest-tout-comprendre/) on integrated solutions such as organo-mineral fertilization and agroecological practices to restore and maintain soil health.
Soil fertility is defined by its ability to provide the necessary conditions for plant growth, based on natural processes and specific agricultural practices. The soils of West Africa, often acidic and poor in organic matter, have natural characteristics limiting their fertility. Traditional practices, such as slash-and-burn agriculture and the combination of agriculture and livestock, have historically maintained soil fertility. Since the 1960s, population growth, reduced fallow times and agricultural intensification have disrupted this balance, leading to a crisis in soil fertility.
Climate change and recurrent droughts are exacerbating land degradation, threatening agricultural productivity and food security. Proposed solutions include the combined use of organic and mineral fertilizers, agroecological practices, and initiatives to improve physical and economic access to fertilizers. Scaling up sustainable practices and promoting local fertilizer production remain major challenges.
Source: Farm Foundation