Farmers and scientists are calling for the adoption of sustainable farming practices to combat land degradation, a key factor contributing to reduced crop productivity. The issue was a central focus of discussions during the Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali. According to experts, land degradation is driven by various factors including unsustainable management of natural resources, vegetation clearance, nutrient depletion, overgrazing, inappropriate irrigation, excessive use of agrochemicals, urban sprawl, pollution, and activities like mining and quarrying. They emphasised that land degradation significantly lowers crop yields, reducing farmer revenues and threatening food security. ALSO READ: Kirehe smallholder farmers find opportunity in organic farming A policy brief from the Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN) on land degradation revealed that 75-80% of cultivated land in Africa is degraded, with nutrient loss ranging from 30 to 60 kilograms per hectare annually. Overall, 46% of the continent's land is affected by degradation. In Rwanda, a 2022 report by the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) estimated an annual loss of Rwf800 billion due to soil erosion caused by land degradation. Over 745,000 hectares of agricultural land are losing topsoil, further threatening agricultural productivity. Ivan Tumuhimbise, an expert at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), described the forum as a critical moment for engaging policymakers on the need to align food systems with ecological and climate resilience goals. This alignment is crucial for securing a sustainable future for both people and nature, Tumuhimbise said, stressing the importance of nature-positive solutions. WWF is advocating for the transformation of Africa’s food systems to be both sustainable and climate-resilient. Tumuhimbise noted the urgent need to abandon unsustainable farming practices that exceed environmental limits and undermine Africa’s food production capacity. Nancy Rapando, another expert, echoed this sentiment, calling for nature-positive solutions to not only protect the environment but also enhance the resilience and productivity of African agriculture. ALSO READ: Use of pesticides blamed for low honey production Eco-Friendly Pesticides Cynthia Umutoniwase, a young entrepreneur and farmer, created a startup producing organic pesticides from herbs. While industrial pesticides and fertilizers can increase productivity, Umutoniwase noted their excessive use harms the environment and agricultural yields. “I produce organic pesticides to manage pests like mealybugs that attack fruits and vegetables,” she said. Organic pesticides, she added, target specific pests without harming beneficial insects like bees, which are vital for maintaining ecosystem balance. This approach promotes biodiversity and a healthier environment. The excessive use of conventional pesticides has been linked to a decline in bee populations, reducing honey production. According to a May 2023 report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), pollinators such as bees, birds, and bats contribute to 35% of global crop production, pollinating 87 of the world’s 115 leading food crops.
