By Magdalene Wanja - Reporter
22 June 2026 - In a significant move to address declining agricultural productivity and rising climate-related challenges, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has launched its Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub, a regional platform designed to strengthen sustainable agriculture and improve food security across the Horn of Africa.
The launch was marked by the inaugural meeting of the Hub’s Steering Committee and Technical Committee in Nairobi, bringing together agricultural experts, policymakers, researchers, development partners, and representatives from IGAD Member States.
The gathering laid the foundation for a coordinated regional approach to restoring soil fertility and enhancing the productivity of farming systems that support millions of livelihoods.
Across the IGAD region, farmers are facing mounting pressure from soil degradation, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and shrinking agricultural yields. These challenges have intensified concerns over food security and underscored the need for innovative, science-driven solutions capable of sustaining agricultural growth under increasingly difficult climatic conditions.
The newly established Hub is expected to serve as a centre for knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, and policy coordination, helping countries develop practical solutions tailored to their specific soil and agricultural conditions. Through research, data sharing, and regional collaboration, the platform seeks to improve soil management practices while promoting the responsible and efficient use of fertilizers.
Addressing participants during the meeting, Dr. Senait Regassa highlighted the importance of healthy soils in sustaining agricultural production, economic development, and community resilience. She noted that investments in soil restoration are essential for securing long-term food supplies and improving the well-being of rural populations across the region.
Experts attending the forum observed that years of nutrient depletion, unsustainable land-use practices, and climate-induced stress have significantly reduced the productive capacity of agricultural lands in many parts of the region.
Without targeted interventions, they warned, these trends could further undermine efforts to achieve food and nutrition security.
To tackle these challenges, the Hub will focus on advancing soil science, supporting evidence-based fertilizer recommendations, and encouraging climate-resilient farming practices.
Related articles
It will also strengthen partnerships among governments, research institutions, the private sector, and development organizations to accelerate the adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies and approaches.
Regional officials view the initiative as a critical step toward transforming agricultural systems and enhancing the resilience of communities that depend on farming and natural resources. By improving soil health, the Hub is expected to contribute not only to increased crop productivity but also to environmental restoration and economic stability.
The establishment of the Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub adds a new dimension to IGAD’s broader agenda of building resilience in a region that remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks.
Over the past decade, the organization has championed regional programmes aimed at strengthening drought preparedness, improving natural resource management, and supporting climate adaptation among pastoral and farming communities.
Initiatives focusing on early warning systems, resilience-building, and sustainable land management have helped Member States better anticipate and respond to environmental challenges.
The new Hub builds on this foundation by placing soil restoration at the heart of regional agricultural development, recognizing that healthy soils are fundamental to resilient food systems, sustainable livelihoods, and long-term economic growth.