Agricultural experts advocate for soil health and precision nutrient management

Agricultural specialists, researchers, and policymakers are emphasizing the critical role of soil health and precise nutrient management in boosting food security and farm productivity across Africa.

In Lesotho, experts at the National Farmers Knowledge Exchange urged producers to prioritize soil structure, moisture, and pH testing before investing in seeds and fertilizers. Soil scientist Botle Mapeshoane warned against the assumption that traditionally productive land will remain fertile without intervention, noting that improper fertilizer application without soil testing can be ineffective. She highlighted that correcting soil acidity is an essential first step to ensuring nutrient availability.

In Nigeria, the 2026 Nigeria Fertiliser Summit on Phosphorus and Food Security focused on increasing investment in soil intelligence and digital technology. Participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, called for crop-specific fertilizer recommendations to ensure better returns for farmers. The summit emphasized that agricultural transformation requires responsible nutrient management and stronger partnerships to improve productivity through site-specific applications.