KIGALI, Rwanda, Sept. 4 -- PRIVATE sector players in Africas agriculture sector have raised concern over widespread soil degradation, calling for stronger investment, improved fertiliser use and policies that promote sustainable soil management.

The concerns were raised at the ongoing Africa Food Systems Forum 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda, where industry leaders discussed the role of the private sector in restoring soil health and building resilient food systems.

Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Fertiliser Industry Development Association (AFIDA), Dr Innocent Okuku, said about 60 per cent of Africas cropland is estimated to have degraded soils, largely due to poor soil management practices.

He said improving soil he...