The recent U.S. and Israel attacks on Iran have triggered steep fuel price hikes. While oil and gas grab the spotlight, another pressing issue is the potential rise in fertilizer costs, especially affecting low-income countries. This mirrors the situation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which had significant repercussions on global food supply chains.
In many African nations, the heavy reliance on imported fertilizers has sparked discussions around “food sovereignty.” This concept goes beyond simply ensuring people have enough food—it’s about who controls food production and how that system operates. Traditionally, the focus has been on “food security,” but now there’s a push to empower communities to control their agricultural systems.
This shift means moving away from industrial agriculture methods—often touted as the “green revolution”—that governments and international agencies have pushed for years. Although these methods increased production, they often led to concentrated land ownership and reliance on external resources, which can leave local communities vulnerable.
Now, numerous civil society organizations across Africa are advocating for a shift in funding. They want resources directed toward helping small-scale farmers produce healthy food sustainably and add local processing capabilities to enhance their profits. This approach aligns closely with regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture is also making waves in the U.S. In December, the USDA launched a $700 million pilot program to support these practices. While there are debates about its intent, it shows that more American farmers are becoming aware of regenerative methods.
In Africa, particularly in regions like Kisumu, farmers are adopting similar practices. They refer to regenerative agriculture’s cover crops as “green manure.” Varieties like gliricidia sepium and different legumes are being utilized to bolster soil health, absorb water, and reduce reliance on costly external inputs.
The benefits of green manure are quite promising; it can lift yields, cut costs, and ultimately boost farmers’ incomes. Its impact has been notable in Kisumu and areas of Burkina Faso and Mali, where local partners with organizations like World Neighbors have recorded early successes. In drought-prone regions like the Sahel, green manure plays a critical role in moisture retention.
Additionally, community-controlled processing initiatives are gaining traction. Establishing facilities, such as poultry processing plants, requires capital—a challenge that communities are meeting through savings and credit groups. These groups allow members to pool resources and lend at low interest rates, helping fund farm innovations and community projects.
Take Kenya, for example. Here, savings and credit groups have successfully pooled enough resources to create a cooperative bank, boosting local financial autonomy.
Today’s world faces immense challenges: climate change, shifts in global governance, and the stark contrast between hunger and obesity in some nations. Returning to sustainable food practices—like using green manure—can help communities regain control over their food systems.
This “new-old” approach empowers local communities and supports development on their terms. It’s essential for governments and organizations to heed these communities’ voices and prioritize their needs, paving the way for a more equitable and resilient future.
For more insights into these trends, consider reading reports from trusted sources, like this World Bank study on food security.
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