MORE than 40 percent of East Africa’s soils are degraded, with climate change and soil erosion posing a major threat to agriculture and food production in the already food-insecure region, according to a new report.

As per Soil Atlas Kenya Edition, the case in Kenya is worse, with only a fifth of the croplands arable. Describing it as a silent crisis in East Africa, the report says, “Soil degradation poses a global crisis as it jeopardises food security, livelihoods and ecosystem health. The situation is worse in East Africa, where over 40 percent of soils are degraded, threatening the region’s agricultural foundation and resilience”.

In some cases, like Kenya, the situation is worse. Croplands lose an average of 26 tonnes of soil per hectare annually to water-induced erosion, with some areas experiencing losses exceeding 90 tons, according to the publication. 

Speaking at the launch of Soil Atlas Kenya Edition in Nairobi, the director of Heinrich Boll Foundation Joachim Paul said soil salinisation affects 40 percent of irrigated land, jeopardising food production and sustainability.

“Soil is the foundation of life, yet it remains one of the most overlooked and undervalued resources. Its health influences the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. Protecting soil is not just an agricultural concern, it is essential for sustaining ecosystems, food security and climate resilience particularly in Africa,” said Paul, adding that soil degradation in Kenya is undermining agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

The publication, which presents facts and figures about soil and the impact on food security, revealed that overgrazing, especially in dry areas, exacerbates the problem by removing vegetation that protects the soil. Without this cover, the soil becomes vulnerable to erosion and compaction, reducing its ability to absorb water and sustain plant life. Climate change compounds these challenges, as heavy rainfall accelerates soil erosion.

“A combination of human activities and natural processes drive this crisis. Overgrazing, unsustainable farming practices, deforestation, and increasingly erratic weather patterns contribute to the depletion of soil quality. One of the most visible signs of degradation is the erosion of nutrient-rich topsoil, largely caused by water and wind,” reads the report in part.

According to the report, in the arid and semi-arid landscapes of northern Kenya and Tanzania, salinisation—the buildup of salts in the soil—is another concern. Poor irrigation practices, such as the use of low-quality water, contribute to this issue. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind salts that gradually accumulate to harmful levels. High evaporation rates and waterlogging also intensify the problem. Approximately 40 per cent of irrigated land in Kenya is affected by salinity making it difficult to meet agricultural demands.

Despite these challenges, there are efforts to counteract soil degradation, with governments, communities and international organisations working to promote sustainable practices that can help restore degraded landscapes and enhance productivity. Agro-ecological methods, such as minimising soil disturbance, incorporating organic matter, and diversifying crops, have shown promising results. For instance, agroforestry initiatives taken by the Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP) in Kenya’s highlands, have reduced soil erosion and improved maize yields, unlike conventional farming methods.

Similarly, community-driven conservation efforts like terracing and reforestation, are producing positive results, but more still needs to be done. In northern Tanzania and Kenya’s Rift Valley region, such practices have increased crop yields by up to 20 percent, while in Mirema in Kenya’s Migori County, a Community Forest Association regenerated 50 percent of their denuded forest by planting over 300,000 trees in five years.

THE examples demonstrate the potential of collaborative approaches to land restoration. However, sustaining these initiatives requires supportive policies and committed investments as well as a strong global partnership. Innovative technologies are also beginning to play a role as soil mapping and satellite monitoring offer new opportunities for targeted interventions.

The technologies can enhance soil restoration efforts despite being in the early stages of development. Programmes such as Kenya’s National Soil Health and Fertility Management Strategy are promising, but achieving meaningful and lasting results will require continued emphasis on restoring soil biodiversity and fertility through sustained policy and financial support.