Govt moves to boost agriculture with soil health reforms

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The Government of Uganda has taken a significant step towards improving agricultural productivity and sustainability by initiating the domestication of the African Union Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP).

This initiative aims to enhance the quality and safety of fertiliser use while promoting better soil health management practices across the country.

The announcement was made by Frederick Bwino Kyakulaga, the State Minister for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, during the Uganda Stakeholder Engagement Workshop on Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan held in Kampala from March 17 to 18, 2025.

(L- R) Fred Kyakulaga Minister of State for Agriculture with Henry Opolot, the Commissioner Agricultural Extension look on as Rosemary Isoto, the Head of Department of Agribusiness at Makerere University makes her remarks. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing over 68% of the population and playing a pivotal role in food security and economic development.

However, declining soil fertility has significantly hampered agricultural output. Studies indicate that poor soil health accounts for over 50% of the yield gaps in staple crops such as maize, beans, and cassava. Actual farm yields reach only 20-40% of their potential due to inadequate soil management and insufficient fertiliser use.

Minister Kyakulaga underscored the urgency of addressing soil degradation, saying:

“Soil fertility is the foundation of agricultural productivity. If we do not invest in sustainable soil management today, we jeopardise the future of our food security and economic stability.”

He noted that the AFSH-AP provides a strategic framework to combat soil degradation and promote responsible fertiliser use, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and the country.

Key objectives of the action plan

Minister Kyakulaga outlined the four key objectives that Uganda aims to achieve through the domestication of the AFSH-AP, including promoting responsible fertiliser use to achieve balanced soil nutrition and increase crop yields.

The other objectives include encouraging sustainable soil management practices such as organic amendments, conservation agriculture, and precision farming, strengthening the fertiliser supply chain to ensure farmers have access to affordable, high-quality fertilisers and enhancing farmer education and extension services to promote best practices in soil health management.

These objectives, according to Kyakulaga, align with Uganda’s broader agricultural transformation strategies under the National Development Plan (NDP) IV and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).

Aligning AFSH-AP with Uganda's agricultural policies

Kyakulaga reiterated that the National Fertiliser Policy (2016) already provides a foundation for regulating and promoting responsible fertiliser use.

“The National Fertiliser Policy prioritizes improving access to quality and affordable fertilisers, promoting balanced soil nutrition, strengthening research and extension services, and establishing a robust legal and institutional framework for fertiliser management,” he explained.

Professor George Mondo Kagonyera speaking at the Stakeholders Engagement on the Quality of Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan on March 17, 2025. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

Additionally, Uganda has enacted fertiliser control regulations under the Agricultural Chemicals (Control) Act, which sets stringent quality and safety standards.

“These regulations protect farmers from substandard inputs and ensure that only high-quality fertilisers are used in Ugandan agriculture,” he added.

Kampala Declaration

Uganda is also a signatory to the Kampala Declaration (2025-2035) under CAADP, which emphasizes sustainable land management, increased access to agricultural inputs, and climate-smart agriculture.

Dr John Ilukor, an agricultural economist at the World Bank, stressed the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including the private sector, academia, development partners, farmers, and government institutions.

“Uganda’s participation in this declaration requires tangible steps toward improving soil health and fertiliser use,” Ilukor stated, urging stakeholders to ensure the country meets its commitments.

During the workshop, Ssemakula Joseph, a representative from the African Centre for Agro-Ecology & Livelihood Systems at Uganda Martyrs University, emphasized the need for increased awareness and engagement.

“We need to increase the frequency of interactions among stakeholders. Creating platforms for learning and dialogue will ensure that information flows effectively from policymakers to farmers,” he said.

He also stressed the role of the media in educating farmers about responsible fertiliser use and sustainable soil management.

Low fertiliser use

While the domestication of the AFSH-AP is a major step forward, several challenges remain, including low fertiliser use.

To address this, minister Kyakulaga said the government will provide subsidies and incentives to make fertilisers more affordable for smallholder farmers.

Additionally, many farmers lack awareness of proper soil management techniques. “The government, in partnership with research institutions and NGOs, will expand agricultural extension services to bridge this gap,” he noted.

Farmers also struggle to access quality fertilisers, and the government is working with the private sector to improve distribution networks and ensure timely availability.

Minister Kyakulaga emphasised: “The private sector must develop efficient fertiliser distribution systems and ensure affordability for smallholder farmers.”

He also urged academia and research institutions to provide evidence-based solutions for soil fertility management and extension services.

Extension worker shortage

Dr Henry Nakelet Opolot, Commissioner for Agricultural Extension and Skills Management at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the shortage of extension workers as a major setback in agricultural policy reforms.

“The low level of commercialized agriculture and the lack of the right knowledge among smallholder farmers remain major challenges,” Dr. Opolot noted.

A recent report by the Ministry of Finance and the Auditor General revealed a critical shortage of extension workers, with only one officer serving 2,000 households. Uganda currently has 9,627 extension workers, leaving a gap of 5,355.

“Even if extension workers operated day and night, they would struggle to meet demand. Budget constraints further hinder their ability to be adequately facilitated or equipped,” Dr. Opolot stated.

The government is now reviewing the agricultural extension policy to improve service delivery.

A call to action

As Uganda embarks on the implementation of the AFSH-AP, Minister Kyakulaga called for active participation from all stakeholders.

“I urge you all to engage in these discussions and contribute your expertise. Your input is vital in shaping a practical roadmap for soil health and fertiliser management in Uganda,” he emphasized.

He concluded with a powerful reminder: “The sustainability of Uganda’s agricultural sector depends on the quality of our soils. If we invest in soil health today, we secure our food systems for generations to come.”