Soil Values Program Restored Farmland Across African Sahel
The ten-year initiative aims to boost food security for 1.5 million farmers through improved soil management practices.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Should African nations prioritize large-scale funding for soil restoration to improve long-term food security?
Operating from 2024 to 2033, the Soil Values program targets 2 million hectares of farmland across Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and northern Nigeria. This large-scale effort focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity to support 1.5 million farmers, including 800,000 women.
Why it matters
Healthy soil is essential for long-term food security, sustainable farm incomes, and climate resilience in the region. These restoration efforts are increasingly viewed as a central requirement for stability within African food systems.
In 2025 alone, the program trained 120,919 farmers in soil management practices, building on 57 technological innovations identified in 2024. The impact on total regional production remains an area of ongoing evaluation.
The players
International Fertilizer Development Center
A public international organization that focuses on soil fertility and agricultural productivity solutions.
Wageningen University & Research
An academic institution specialized in life sciences and agricultural research.
Netherlands Development Organisation
A development agency that provides technical assistance to improve local agricultural service delivery.
The details
The program utilizes integrated soil fertility management that combines organic and mineral inputs with specific water and conservation practices. By employing digital soil mapping and bundled public-private service models, the initiative helps local farmers adopt evidence-based techniques. These strategies are delivered through a network of 501 selected agricultural service providers working across the target nations.
Timeline
The Soil Values program began operations in 2024 and will continue through 2033.
In 2024, the program identified 57 technological innovations and established service provider partnerships.
During 2025, the initiative provided soil management training to 120,919 farmers.
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD was held August 17-28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar.
The Africa Food Systems Forum took place in early September 2026 in Kigali.
Health Landscape
This program aligns with the Nairobi Declaration, which seeks to provide targeted agronomic recommendations to at least 70% of smallholder farmers by 2034. It represents a shift toward data-driven, scalable soil management to address regional food insecurity.
While these large-scale agricultural programs impact global food supply, readers interested in soil health can explore how integrated fertility management influences nutrient density in crops. Consult with a nutritionist to understand the relationship between soil health, food quality, and personal wellness.
The takeaway
Soil restoration is a foundational step in ensuring sustainable, nutrient-rich food production for vulnerable populations. Readers can support food security by prioritizing locally sourced, sustainably grown produce whenever possible.
What happens next
The program is scheduled to continue its implementation and training activities through 2033, with a significant progress milestone set for 2034 regarding agronomic recommendations.
Further reading
For broader context on agricultural sustainability, visit our section on Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ecofin Agency.
Live Poll
Should African nations prioritize large-scale funding for soil restoration to improve long-term food security?
