FERTILIZER AND SOIL HEALTH HUB LAUNCHED IN NAIROBI TO REVOLUTIONIZING AGRICULTURE IN WEST AFRICA AND THE SAHEL.


BY NJOKI KARANJA. 

In a monumental move towards sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation, a Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub was unveiled today in Nairobi during the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit. This initiative, funded by OCP Africa and the World Bank's Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) project with a commitment of $10 million over five years, aims to bolster agricultural productivity and resilience across West Africa and the Sahel region.

(Second last) Dr. Shamie Zingore, Director of Research and Development, was honored to participate in the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit in Nairobi, Kenya.

The launch event, attended by key industry stakeholders and partners, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the pressing challenges faced by African farmers. Boutheina Guermazi, World Bank Director for Regional Integration for Africa and the Middle East, emphasized the strategic significance of this hub, stating, "The launch of this regional hub is a significant step towards realizing our vision for a sustainable planet where soil health is prioritized, food security is ensured, climate change adaptation is addressed, and poverty is eradicated."



The hub's mission aligns with the broader goals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental sustainability. Mrs. Massandje Toure-Litse, ECOWAS's Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, highlighted the importance of this initiative in achieving these objectives. She remarked, "By addressing the challenges of poor soil health and fertility, our region will make significant progress in ensuring a sustainable future and in increasing yields and profitability for farmers."



The hub, headquartered at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) campus in Ibadan, Nigeria, with a supporting facility at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) in Ben Guerir, Morocco, brings together expertise from various organizations including the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), OCP Africa, The African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI), and the World Bank. This collaborative approach aims to drive agronomic gains, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and provide vital support in information sharing, knowledge management, capacity development, policy support, advocacy, and resource mobilization.



Dr. Simeon Ehui, Director General for IITA and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa, expressed optimism about the hub's potential impact, stating, "The Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for West Africa and the Sahel. By addressing soil health and promoting sustainable practices, this initiative is poised to make a meaningful impact on food security, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability in the region."



The launch of this hub represents a unified effort towards transforming agricultural practices, enhancing soil health, and ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for farmers and communities across West Africa and the Sahel.

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