3 Requirements for soil health practices to mitigate climate change
3.1 Factors influencing soil health practices to mitigate climate change
Factors influencing soil health practices for mitigating climate change are conditions which support or control proper selection of soil health practices. They mirror the responses to challenges identified in Challenges with soil health practices for mitigating climate change in Africa and include types of land use, government policies and incentives, farmer education and awareness, availability of resources, technological advancements, etc. (Figure 3.1).
Figure 3.1: Factors influencing soil health practices for mitigating climate change
3.1.1 Agricultural practices and rate of adoption of sustainable techniques
Adopting sustainable agricultural practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage can improve soil health. They enhance organic matter, increase water retention, and reduce erosion, thereby contributing to carbon sequestration. A high rate of adoption of these practices can motivate many actors and contribute to widespread use of the practices and the spiral effect in contributing to improved soil health and mitigation of climate change. A low rate of adoption has the reverse effect (B. O. Mogaka, Ng’ang’a, and Bett 2022). The rate of adoption of soil health practices to mitigate climate change is varied in Africa. The literature reports average low rate of adoption as much as less than 20% (Araya et al. 2024; Ogisi and Begho 2023).
3.1.2 Technological advancements
The use of precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing, soil sensors, and data analytics, allows for more efficient use of resources and better management of soil health. These technologies help farmers make informed decisions that can lead to improved soil fertility and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Technological advancements in soil health practices can also significantly influence climate change mitigation by enhancing soil carbon sequestration, optimizing water usage, and improving overall agricultural efficiency, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable farming practices. Examples of technological advancements in soil health practices include precision agriculture, biochar application, conservation agriculture, smart irrigation, internet of things, etc. (Parra-López et al. 2024).
3.1.3 Policy and incentives
Government policies and incentives play a crucial role in promoting soil health practices. Programs that offer financial support, technical assistance, and education can encourage farmers to adopt practices that benefit both soil health and the environment. Government policies promoting healthy soil practices can also significantly influence climate change mitigation by encouraging carbon sequestration in soils, which acts as a natural sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to combat climate change; this can be achieved through initiatives like incentivizing no-till farming, cover cropping, and responsible fertilizer use (Kabir, De Vries Robbe, and Godinho 2024).
3.1.4 Level of education and awareness among stakeholders
Raising awareness about the importance of soil health and its impact on climate change is essential. Educational initiatives targeting farmers, agricultural professionals, and the general public can foster a better understanding of sustainable soil management practices and their benefits (Brevik 2013). Education and training help stakeholders to choose and promote the right technology for responding to climate change.
The level of education and awareness on soil health matters and climate change remain comparatively low in Africa. A large portion of African farmers, particularly in rural areas, lack comprehensive knowledge about soil health indicators, the impacts of poor soil management, and effective practices to improve soil fertility (Eze et al. 2021; FARA 2024). The low level of education and awareness among the core stakeholders in Africa may pose a significant effect of soil health practices for mitigating climate change in Africa.
3.1.5 Research and innovation
Ongoing research and innovation are vital to developing new and improved soil health practices. Collaboration between scientists, farmers, and industry stakeholders can lead to the discovery of innovative techniques and solutions that enhance soil health and mitigate climate change. Some of the ways in which research and innovations can improve soil health and climate resilience include:
- Developing new soil management techniques
- Increasing the understanding of soil microbial communities
- Developing new technologies for monitoring soil health and shaping decisions
- Genetic modifications to improve climate resilience
- Identifying optimal practices which target soil health and climate change mitigation
3.2 Requirements for strategizing appropriate soil health practices to mitigate climate change in Africa
Strategizing soil health practices to mitigate climate change in Africa requires careful consideration that put into perspective the factors influencing soil health practices and associated challenges and limitations in the continent. Figure 3.1 shows the factors influencing selection and adoption of soil health practices while Challenges with soil health practices for mitigating climate change in Africa presents the challenges and limitations facing soil health practices in Africa. The relationship between these two key points (influential factors and challenges) can help identify the requirements for strategizing soil health practices for mitigating climate change in Africa. The relationship identifies 6 key points for consideration for soil health practices in Africa: resource availability, policies and regulatory frameworks, research and innovations, proper planning and prioritizations, awareness and education, and extent of degradation. The requirements for planning soil health practices in Africa using these key considerations are shown in Table 3.1.
| Key.considerations | Planning.requirements |
|---|---|
| Resource availability | Financial investment |
| Availability of workforce and prime movers | |
| Land ownership and management | |
| Policies and regulatory framework | Relevant policies and legislations |
| Law enforcement | |
| Incentives, business environment, and service providers | |
| Availability and access to technical institutions | |
| Research, innovation and technological advancement | Research support and living labs |
| Partnerships and collaborative network | |
| Data strategies and monitoring technologies | |
| Applicable innovations | |
| Proper planning and prioritization | National soil health strategies |
| Socio-economic and political leadership | |
| Technical guidance | |
| Standardization and scaling strategies | |
| Awareness and education | Adequate understanding of soil health principles |
| Extension and advisory services | |
| Capacity-building and exchange programs | |
| Information systems (soil, climate, agricultural, marketing) | |
| Communication and promotional programs | |
| Magnitude of soil degradation | Soil health dashboard |
| Identification of hotspots and champions | |
| Soil fertilization and conservation program | |
| Community mobilization and engagement |