1 Introduction

1.1 Background

The relationship between soil health and climate change is intricate and reciprocal. Soil health significantly influences climate change, while climate change, in turn, impacts soil health. Healthy soils can sequester carbon, acting as a carbon sink and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (Veni et al. 2020). Conversely, degraded soils release carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Moreover, climate change affects soil health through changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. These changes can alter soil structure, organic matter content, and nutrient cycling, ultimately affecting soil fertility and productivity (Brevik 2013). The interplay between soil health and climate change underscores the importance of sustainable soil management practices to enhance resilience to climate impacts and support global food security.

Climate change poses significant challenges to soil health in Africa, where variations in temperature and precipitation patterns are particularly pronounced (Atoloye 2024). These environmental alterations can lead to soil degradation, affecting its ability to sustain plant growth and maintain ecosystems. Rising temperatures can increase the rate of soil organic matter decomposition, reducing soil fertility and disrupting nutrient cycles. Additionally, irregular rainfall patterns can cause both droughts and floods, leading to soil erosion, loss of organic matter, and deterioration of soil structure. Extreme weather events, such as intense storms and prolonged dry spells, further exacerbate the vulnerability of African soils (Furtak and Wolińska 2023). These conditions can strip the soil of its vegetative cover, making it more susceptible to wind and water erosion. As a result, the land’s productivity diminishes, threatening food security and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on agriculture. The impacts of climate change on soil health are not uniform across Africa; they vary depending on the region’s specific climatic conditions and soil types (Nigussie 2024). For instance, arid and semi-arid regions are more prone to desertification, while tropical regions may experience increased soil leaching and nutrient loss due to heavier rainfall. Therefore, it is crucial to implement region-specific soil management practices to mitigate these adverse effects and promote soil resilience. Implementing sustainable soil management practices, such as conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and organic amendments, can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on soil health. These practices enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and increase organic matter content, making soils more resilient to climatic stresses. Moreover, adopting climate-smart agricultural techniques can contribute to carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to combat climate change (Bhatnagar et al. 2024; Zheng, Ma, and He 2024). By addressing the interconnected challenges of soil health and climate change, Africa can work towards achieving greater agricultural sustainability, food security, and environmental resilience. The present document elaborates on the strategies for optimizing soil health practices to mitigate effects of climate change while improving agricultural productivity and environmental quality on the continent

1.2 SIA and AFSH-AP provisions for soil health and climate change

The Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) has been formulated to address the pressing challenges of soil degradation and climate change on the continent. This comprehensive plan emphasizes the importance of enhancing soil fertility and resilience through integrated soil management practices. One of the key provisions of the AFSH-AP is the promotion of balanced fertilization, which involves the judicious application of macro and micronutrients to improve soil health and crop productivity. By ensuring that soils receive the right nutrients in the right amounts, the plan aims to prevent nutrient imbalances and deficiencies that can compromise soil structure and fertility. Another critical component of the AFSH-AP is the adoption of conservation agriculture techniques. These techniques, which include minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations, are designed to protect the soil from erosion, enhance water retention, and increase organic matter content. The plan also advocates for the incorporation of organic amendments, such as compost and green manure, to replenish soil organic matter and improve soil biodiversity (FARA 2024). These practices not only enhance soil health but also contribute to carbon sequestration, thereby mitigating the impacts of climate change. The AFSH-AP also recognizes the diverse climatic conditions and soil types across Africa, and therefore, it promotes region-specific soil management practices (FARA 2024). For instance, in arid and semi-arid regions, the plan encourages the use of drought-resistant crop varieties and water-efficient irrigation systems. This chapter of the companion document outlines strategies which countries, regions and the continent will need to employ to promote soil health practices aimed at mitigating climate change on the continent.

Capacity building and knowledge dissemination are also integral to the AFSH-AP. The plan calls for the establishment of training programs and extension services to educate farmers on sustainable soil management practices. It also emphasizes the need for research and development to innovate and refine soil health technologies. By fostering collaboration among governments, research institutions, and the private sector, the AFSH-AP aims to create a conducive environment for the widespread adoption of these practices. Ultimately, the AFSH-AP seeks to create a sustainable agricultural landscape in Africa, where healthy soils form the foundation for food security, environmental resilience, and economic prosperity. Through the implementation of its provisions, the plan aspires to transform the continent’s agricultural systems and ensure a resilient future in the face of climate change.

The present state of soil health in Africa demonstrates both progress and challenges in the continent’s readiness to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Extensive research and initiatives such as the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) have been implemented to enhance soil resilience and fertility. However, the region still faces significant hurdles due to diverse climatic conditions, soil types, and socio-economic factors. Recent studies indicate that integrated soil management practices, including balanced fertilization, conservation agriculture, and organic amendments, are being adopted across various regions (Nezomba et al. 2018; Raheem et al. 2025). These practices have shown promising results in improving soil structure, water retention, and organic matter content. Furthermore, region-specific approaches, such as using drought-resistant crops in arid zones and employing efficient irrigation systems, have contributed to better soil health outcomes (Akinnagbe and Irohibe 2015; Lankford et al. 2023).

Despite these advancements, Africa’s soil remains vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, such as temperature fluctuations, irregular rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events. These challenges necessitate continuous efforts in capacity building, knowledge dissemination, and research to innovate sustainable soil management techniques. Through the collaborative efforts of governments, research institutions, and the private sector, Africa is making strides towards achieving a sustainable agricultural landscape. However, the journey towards full readiness to mitigate climate change impacts on soil health is ongoing, requiring persistent dedication and strategic implementation of best practices.