Areas in red are where current population exceeds potential agricultural capacity.
About 95 million hectares of arable land in Africa "have reached such a state of degradation that only huge investments could make them productive again," according to a new report from the International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development.
Agricultural productivity has declined in the past quarter-century in sub-Saharan Africa as its soils lose nutrients at the highest rate in the world. "I must tell you, the news is not good," said Amit Roy, CEO of the center, at a 30 March press conference in New York City. "Nutrient mining"--loss of soil nutrients through erosion, exhaustion by crops, and lack of fertilizer--is worst in East and Central Africa. Somalia is losing 88 kilograms of nutrients per hectare per year, says the report--compared with 9 kg in Egypt. African farmers desperate for fresh soil are clearing fragile forestlands and wildlife habitat.
Roy added that only 4% of arable land is irrigated, so water-supply problems also need to be addressed. The report will be presented at an Africa Fertilizer Summit to be held in Abuja, Nigeria, in June, where remedies such as cheap fertilizer, technical aid to farmers, and improved markets will be discussed.
CREDIT: RONALD A. NUSSBAUM/UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
