The Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) Framework is a strategic and long-term effort to improve the health and productivity of Africa’s soils. This is to be achieved by, scaling proven and locally adapted technologies, including balanced and efficient fertilizer application, improving productivity for all farmers. The vision of the SIA is a future in which Africa’s soils are healthy and resilient, supported by a robust African-led sustainable soil management system with sound institutions, policies, programs, investments, partnerships, and services that supports and empowers land users across Africa to use practices that restore and sustain soil health, significantly improve agricultural productivity, income and prosperity, resilience to climate change, and reflect national priorities. The SIA identifies four Priority Investment Areas: 1. Optimising integrated soil health and water management planning and Implementation; 2. Building human, institutional, and social capital for research, development, education, extension, and support for sustainable soil management; 3. Optimising data and information for effective planning and monitoring; and 4. Ensuring enabling policy, legal and regulatory frameworks. The actions and strategies for each of these priority areas are laid down. The principles for design and implementation are provided which include Landscape approach, Farmer and community-centric approach, Building on local successes, Leveraging existing institutions and systems, Accountability and transparency, and Diversity. To operationalize the SIA, a 10-year Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health (AFSH) Action Plan has been developed. It will serve as the implementation roadmap focused on translating the Framework into tangible outcomes. Key implementation considerations include creating strong multi-level partnerships, effective communication strategies, and a robust monitoring and evaluation system. Financing is identified as a critical enabler, requiring innovative mechanisms to mobilize public, private, and development partner resources. Overall, the SIA aspires to make healthy soils the foundation for a productive, resilient, and sustainable African agricultural sector.
2024-01-01