Ag. Director of Research and Innovation, FARA

 “The world is nothing but change; our life is only perception.” — Marcus Aurelius

This timeless wisdom is fitting for World Soil Day 2025, celebrated under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities.” As Africa’s cities expand and evolve, it becomes increasingly clear that their sustainability depends on an often-overlooked foundation: the health of the soil beneath and around them. Soils are living systems that deliver essential ecological services, attenuating atmospheric toxins, degrading biotic and abiotic wastes, purifying water, cycling nutrients, storing carbon, and moderating temperature. Without healthy soils, urban environments lose their resilience, becoming vulnerable to flooding, pollution, food insecurity, and biodiversity collapse.

Africa’s urban growth is occurring across landscapes already burdened with high levels of degradation. Current assessments show that as much as 65% of the continent’s productive land is degraded, while about 45% faces risks of desertification. These trends weaken the soil’s ability to regulate water, sustain vegetation, maintain fertility, and support the peri-urban agriculture that feeds millions. Even more concerning is the accelerating pace of decline.  Over the past two decades, the proportion of degraded land in Sub-Saharan Africa has nearly doubled, rising from 7.1% to 14.5%, a rate faster than the global average and indicative of mounting pressures on ecosystems.

Urban pollution further complicates this picture. The soils in many African cities now serve as sinks for heavy metals, hydrocarbons, microplastics, and industrial wastes. Research reveals that peri-urban farmlands around some cities in Africa contain multiple heavy metals that exceed permissible limits for food-producing soils. In others, wastewater-irrigated fields exhibit zinc concentrations that surpass WHO thresholds. Such pollution poses direct threats to “life on land,” undermining plant health, degrading microbial ecosystems, and exposing urban populations, especially those reliant on city-grown vegetables, to serious health risks.

These ecological failures translate into significant economic losses.  In Africa, soil degradation contributes to an estimated 3% annual loss of agricultural GDP, draining resources that countries urgently need for infrastructure, climate adaptation, and urban development. This economic argument reinforces a simple truth: healthy soils are not an environmental luxury but a core asset for national stability and urban prosperity.

At the same time, urban and peri-urban agriculture remain a vital lifeline for African cities. Studies show that these systems supply up to 40% of cassava, 80% of poultry products, 90% of lettuce, and an astonishing 95% of fresh milk in some rapidly growing cities. When soils in these zones degrade or become contaminated, the nutritional well-being of urban households is directly jeopardized. This linkage between soil health and urban food systems underscores the urgency of coordinated action.

Aligning with the African Union Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA), several key interventions stand out. The first is the placement of real economic value on topsoil. Construction activities often remove fertile topsoil that is treated as waste, yet this material could be redeployed to restore degraded farmland, support urban greening or rehabilitate peri-urban vegetable corridors. Recovering and reusing topsoil should become standard practice in African cities. Equally important is the institutionalization of soil monitoring within urban planning. Soil assessments, contamination checks, and digital soil maps should guide city design decisions and building approvals. Nature-based solutions such as urban forests, permeable pavements, rain gardens, bioswales, and green corridors can help restore soil function while improving urban microclimates. Investments in digital soil advisory services, driven by partnerships among FARA, AARiEIs, CGIAR centres, and the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO), will provide the real-time data needed for informed decision-making. Public awareness must also deepen, ensuring that citizens, developers, and policymakers understand that soil is a living system whose health underpins urban resilience.

As we commemorate World Soil Day 2025, the message is clear: African cities can only be as healthy as the soils that support them. Safeguarding soil health through better policies, scientific innovation, responsible urban development, and recovery of topsoil is indispensable for building sustainable, vibrant, and equitable cities for future generations.

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The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Ghana), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has emphasised the need for science-driven solutions and innovation in combating land degradation and building climate resilience.

Speaking at the INTERFACES Status Seminar in Accra , Dr Muhammed highlighted the pressing issue of sustainable land and natural resource management, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where soil erosion, erratic rainfall and diminishing soil fertility threaten ecosystems and livelihoods.

Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (Ghana), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

The Minister stressed that “science and innovation must drive efforts to address land degradation and promote sustainable development”. He also affirmed the need for scientific research to inform decision-making, implementation and empowerment, rather than remaining confined to academic circles.

Commitment

Dr Muhammed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening research and development, citing initiatives that support sustainable enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
He called on government agencies to enhance communication and collaborative partnerships to unlock private capital and advance the scientific community.

He commended the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) for its continental leadership in agricultural innovation and policy support and assured the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for FARA’s work.

“I commend the five projects that have come together here today for their transdisciplinary approaches that bring together science, policy and community action. By integrating local knowledge with advanced tools such as drone technology, and engaging all stakeholders—from traditional authorities to academia—these projects set a benchmark in participatory land governance,” the Minister said.

Seminar

The seminar, funded by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Centre for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, was attended by over 120 leading researchers, policymakers and practitioners.

It aimed to foster transdisciplinary exchange on sustainable land management, climate resilience and agricultural innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

A section of stakeholders and participants during a research presentation workshop session at the Sustainable Land Management in Sub Saharan Africa Status Seminar 2025

It highlighted four major research projects—COINS, DecLaRe, Minodu and InfoRange—as well as the INTERFACES initiative, which fosters collaboration between institutions in Germany and several African countries.

The seminar also offered a platform to showcase research outcomes and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders, from scientists to traditional authorities, youth representatives and development partners.
Participants explored how collaborative knowledge development and innovation can bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, building stronger connections between Africa and Europe.

Government plans

Speaking at the event, the Social Sector Policy Advisor to the Vice President, Dr Miriam R. Iddrisu, said the government had outlined a holistic strategy to enhance agriculture and encourage sustainable land use.

She indicated that, aligning with national development priorities and international climate responsibilities, the government’s efforts focus on empowerment, resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Dr Iddrisu noted that the government was dedicated to making agriculture appealing to young people and women through skills training, financial access and technology-driven opportunities.

 

Social Sector Policy Advisor to the Vice President, Dr Miriam R. Iddrisu

 

“Government is instituting Women in Agriculture, a dedicated initiative aimed at improving women’s access to land, finance and business development opportunities, advancing gender equity and structural inclusion,” she said.

She emphasised that the government had also placed strong emphasis on empowering small-scale and vulnerable farmers through inclusive planning and targeted assistance, such as the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” poultry project under the Feed Ghana Programme, to boost local poultry production and reduce import dependence, with a focus on supporting smallholder and youth farmers.

INTERFACES Project and leadership

For his part, the Executive Director of FARA, Dr Aggrey Agumya, highlighted the significant progress made by the INTERFACES project in promoting sustainable land management and addressing critical issues related to land degradation, soil health and inclusivity.

Dr Agumya explained that the project, financed by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space, aims to connect individual projects focusing on specific aspects of sustainable land management.

He stressed the importance of bringing issues of soil health, land degradation and erosion to the attention of policymakers and the general public.

Executive Director of FARA, Dr Aggrey Agumya

Highlighting Ghana-specific initiatives, Dr Agumya said, “The project is mainly based in Ghana’s Northern Region, focusing on outreach, knowledge management and capacity development.”

“The project addresses issues of soil fertility management, inclusivity and land tenure, particularly regarding women’s access to land. It also focuses on youth engagement and gender issues related to land management,” he said.

Dr Agumya added that the project’s engagement with traditional leadership was a novel aspect, particularly in the context of land governance. He said the project also partners with local institutions, universities and traditional authorities, recognising the crucial role traditional leaders play in land management.

Source: Daily Graphic Online

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The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has disclosed that government is engaging development partners and evaluating proposals aimed at reclaiming lands devastated by illegal mining activities, popularly known as ‘galamsey’.

Speaking at the INTERFACES Status Seminar held in Accra, Dr. Muhammed emphasised that reclaiming degraded lands is not a one-off event but a long-term process that requires scientific input, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained investment.

“We are engaging partners to come up with means by which we can reclaim those lands. It needs scientific work and substantial investment. Even if you reclaim the land and do not do it well, they cannot use it for farming because the topsoil—which contains the nutrients—would have been destroyed,” he stated ,referencing farmlands used for illegal mining.

He revealed that several proposals had been received and were currently under evaluation.

Sustainable land management

Dr. Muhammed called for a shift towards sustainable land management and climate-smart agriculture, warning that land degradation has severe economic implications.

He linked the rise in Ghana’s import bill for rice and poultry—from US$500 million in 2016 to over US$3 billion by 2025—to poor agricultural productivity due in part to degraded lands.

“When we spend billions importing what we can produce, it affects the economy, job creation, and livelihoods,” he noted.

He highlighted the role of research in reversing land degradation and promoting responsible agricultural practices. To that end, he announced the launch of Ghana’s first Science and Technology Forum, to be held bi-annually, bringing together academia, research institutions, and the private sector to translate research findings into actionable solutions across sectors including agriculture.

The Minister also applauded the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), based in Ghana, for its leadership in agricultural innovation, capacity building, and knowledge management across the continent.

Commitment

He reiterated government’s commitment to creating an enabling policy environment for the mainstreaming of research-based solutions and building local capacity through partnerships that prioritise knowledge transfer over mere financial aid.

Status Seminar

The Status Seminar 2025, funded by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), FARA and the Centre for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, convened over 120 experts from across Africa and Europe to exchange knowledge on inclusive and climate-resilient land management in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Organised under the INTERFACES project, the event highlighted FARA’s role in advancing sustainable land use through capacity building, knowledge management and policy engagement.

It featured key outcomes from projects such as COINS, DecLaRe, Minodu, and InfoRange, showcasing how locally adapted solutions—driven by collaboration among researchers, communities, and policymakers—are helping address critical challenges like soil degradation, gender inequality, and food insecurity.

Gender disparities in land governance

Delivering an address on behalf of the Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Dr. Miriam Iddrisu highlighted the urgency of addressing gender disparities in land governance across Sub-Saharan Africa.

She stressed that sustainable land management and climate resilience are unattainable if women remain excluded from foundational systems such as land governance.

 She said while women constitute nearly half of the agricultural workforce, their access to land, credit, and decision-making remains severely constrained.

 “This gender gap is not only unfair, it is inefficient and detrimental to economic and environmental sustainability,” she emphasised.

Legal and cultural barriers, she noted, continue to prevent women from owning or inheriting land, with their voices largely absent in land-related policymaking.

As such, called for deeper collaboration among traditional authorities, researchers, civil society, and policymakers to advance inclusive reforms, while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to thrive in agriculture, with land as a platform for empowerment, productivity and resilience.

Strategic partnerships and FARA’s role

For his part, Executive Director of FARA, Dr. Aggrey Agumya, reiterated the importance of strategic partnerships in turning agricultural research into real-world impact.

“We stand at a crossroads. Our agricultural systems, particularly those led by smallholder farmers, are facing serious threats—from degraded soils and low productivity to climate-related shocks and weak institutional support. Strategic collaboration is no longer optional; it is essential,” he noted, underscoring the power of collaboration in addressing degraded soils, climate change, and food insecurity.

He highlighted FARA’s leadership role in the INTERFACES initiative—driving knowledge management, science communication, and capacity strengthening across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Agumya also celebrated the achievements of INTERFACES Knowledge Management Fellows and reaffirmed FARA’s commitment to building resilient agricultural systems through inclusive innovation, institutional support and youth engagement.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for its sustained support to FARA, including hosting its Secretariat within the CSIR enclave and the recent commitment to provide a dedicated office space to enhance FARA’s operations.

Source: Business & Financial Times Gh

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The 70-member delegation included researchers from across Africa—Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, Senegal, Kenya, and Namibia—as well as Germany. Also present were traditional leaders and officials from various public institutions. The visit formed part of the Status Seminar on Sustainable Land Management in Sub-Saharan Africa, held from June 2–6 under the theme “Improving Livelihoods through Local Research Initiatives within the Strategy of the Platform Research for Sustainability (FONA).”

The purpose of the field visit was to gain firsthand insight into FLL’s innovative greenhouse production systems, particularly its model for youth-led vegetable farming and agribusiness.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by Mr. Boamah Okyere, Managing Director of Fresh Logistics, alongside Mr. Larry Selorm Amekuse, Chief Agribusiness Architect at Agri-Impact Limited, and other senior staff.

Mr. Boamah led the visitors on an extensive tour of the greenhouse facility, explaining core operational processes including nursery management, irrigation and fertigation systems, integrated pest control, harvesting, and market distribution strategies. He emphasized Fresh Logistics’ commitment to sustainable vegetable production, modern technology adoption, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.

“It was a pleasure to share our work with the FARA delegation,” Mr. Boamah said. “This visit offered a great platform for knowledge exchange and potential collaboration. Our model is centered on sustainable production, gender inclusion, and empowering youth to drive Africa’s agricultural future.”

Dr. Tina Beuchelt, a senior scientist at the Centre for Development Research, University of Bonn, lauded Fresh Logistics for its professionalism, gender-sensitive practices, and innovative greenhouse model.

“We were particularly impressed by the active involvement of youth and the visible leadership roles held by women,” Dr. Beuchelt noted. “This is a powerful demonstration of inclusive, sustainable agriculture in action.”

Benjamin Abugri, Knowledge Management and Outreach Officer at FARA, described the field visit as a fitting and inspirational close to the week-long seminar.

“Fresh Logistics has developed a model that is practical, scalable, and replicable,” Mr. Abugri said. “Its focus on youth, gender equity, and market-oriented approaches offers a blueprint for agricultural transformation across the continent.”

The team also toured the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA) site at Dawhenya as part of the day’s activities.

The Fresh Logistics team also expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with FARA and other partners to strengthen innovation, resilience, and food systems across Africa.

About Fresh Logistics Limited (FLL)

Fresh Logistics Limited is a Ghana-based agro-company focused on the production, marketing, and distribution of high-quality fresh vegetables. Operating under strict quality control protocols in greenhouse environments, FLL supplies produce year-round to a wide buyer network including ShopRite, Eden Tree, Farmers Markets, Vegetable Direct, JOFOEL, and other retailers across major market centers.

A subsidiary of Agri-Impact Group, Fresh Logistics sources vegetables from Agri-Impact-managed farms and registered farmer networks, with a business model anchored in food safety, quality assurance, and adherence to good agricultural practices.

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Source: Citi News & Agri Impact

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To foster transdisciplinary exchange on sustainable land management, climate resilience, and agricultural innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa, over 120 leading researchers, policymakers, and practitioners will gather in Accra for the “Status Seminar 2025.” Hosted by the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), and the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn. This high-level event blends cutting-edge science with community-based innovation.

The seminar will spotlight four major regional research projects, including COINS, DecLaRe, Minodu, and InfoRange, as well as the cross-cutting support initiative INTERFACES, which links institutions across Germany and several African countries. These projects collaborate to address pressing challenges in agriculture and natural resource management through inclusive, evidence-based, and scalable solutions.

INTERFACES strengthens the projects’ effectiveness and visibility by supporting knowledge management, networking, science communication, social learning, capacity development, and policy engagement. The seminar will offer a platform to showcase research outcomes and foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders—from scientists to traditional authorities, from youth representatives to development partners.

Key themes of the 2025 edition include gender equity and intersectionality in sustainable land use, digital transformation in agriculture, and governance in fragile and contested regions. Participants will explore how collaborative knowledge development and innovation can bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, building stronger connections between Africa and Europe.

Highlights of the week-long program include a keynote address by Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, Vice Chancellor of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (Ghana); a high-level panel on policy challenges in sustainable development; hands-on training workshops; and the launch of a new e-learning certificate.

A curated exhibition of posters and multimedia displays will showcase community perspectives and cross-national collaborations. Additionally, a field excursion will take participants to Dawhenya, where they will visit the Agri-Impact Greenhouses and facilities of the Ghana Irrigation Authority. These sites exemplify integrated approaches to youth employment, food production, and sustainable irrigation practices. The Ghana Irrigation Authority, in partnership with local and international stakeholders, supports farmers in producing and packaging crops like rice for domestic and export markets.

The opening ceremony on 3rd June will feature high-level dignitaries and institutional leaders, including representatives from:

• The Office of the Vice President of Ghana
• Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP), Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI)
• Eric Opoku (MP), Minister for Food and Agriculture (TBC)
• Paul Bosu, Director-General of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Aggrey Agumya, Executive Director of FARA
• Stefan Müller, Head of Division, Future Provision – Fundamental and Sustainable Development Research, German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space.
• HE Daniel Krull, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany

The conference will also host representatives from traditional institutions, youth and women’s groups, the German Embassy in Ghana, , and the media.

Project summaries

INTERFACES – Supporting Pathways to Sustainable Land Management in Africa

INTERFACES operates across Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong focus on West Africa, enhancing the integration and outreach of regional initiatives in sustainable land management. The project facilitates inclusive dialogue on future visions and systemic change among scientists, policymakers, and community actors. By promoting co-learning, policy-relevant communication, and inclusive knowledge-sharing, INTERFACES helps bridge the gap between research and action. It also mainstreams sustainable land management concepts into academic programs in Africa and Germany, ensuring lasting impact. A commitment to gender responsiveness and social inclusion ensures that solutions equitably address the needs of diverse populations.

Key Contact:
Dr. Tina Beuchelt, University of Bonn – beuchelt@uni-bonn.de
Website: INTERFACES

COINS – Co-developing Innovations for Sustainable Land Management in West African Smallholder Farming Systems

COINS works to sustainably intensify agriculture in Northern Ghana and the Senegal River Valley without expanding cultivated land. The project co-develops efficient land management strategies by considering both biophysical and socio-economic contexts. Through landscape-based modelling and data science, it identifies and pilots viable agricultural innovations. Farmers, policymakers, and scientists collaborate in innovation labs to test and refine solutions, focusing on inclusive risk management and incentive systems. The initiative ultimately supports policy frameworks that enhance food security and environmental sustainability.

Key Contact:
Dr. Jonas Meier, DLR – Jonas.meier@dlr.de
Website: COINS

DecLaRe – Decision Support for Strengthening Land Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges

DecLaRe is strengthening land and livelihood resilience in the sub-humid savannahs of Northern Benin and Ghana. The project develops a decision support system that combines scientific modelling with local and indigenous knowledge. This system helps guide policies and practices that support sustainable crop and livestock production, improve food systems, and enhance climate resilience. By aligning innovation with local realities and ensuring accessibility, DecLaRe fosters collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and the private sector.

Key Contact:
Prof. Dr. Andreas Buerkert, University of Kassel – buerkert@uni-kassel.de
Website: DecLaRe

InfoRange – Increasing Efficiency in Rangeland-Based Livestock Systems through Co-designed Digital Technologies

InfoRange leverages digital innovation to enhance rangeland management and livestock health in Kenya and Namibia. Working closely with pastoralist communities, veterinarians, and local authorities, the project co-designs mobile tools for pasture and veterinary management. These tools combine local knowledge with remote sensing and real-time data, offering accessible and context-specific decision support. InfoRange prioritizes co-creation with end-users, gender inclusion, and the use of participatory methods to ensure solutions are responsive to community needs and scalable beyond the project’s lifespan.

Key Contact:
Prof. Dr. Brigitte Kaufmann, DITSL – b.kaufmann@ditsl.org
Website: InfoRange

Minodu – Fostering Local Sustainable Development through Research and Technology

Minodu bridges the gap between research and practical land management in Togo by translating sustainability knowledge into accessible, user-friendly formats. It promotes inclusive dialogue with communities—especially women, youth, and digitally marginalized groups—to co-develop locally relevant solutions on climate change, water management, and land restoration. Through participatory approaches, Minodu empowers communities with knowledge, tools, and networks that drive context-specific actions and long-term sustainability.

Key Contact:
Carina Lange, DFKI – carina.lange@dfki.de
Website: Minodu

For Media contact:

FARA & IDOS

Key Contact: babugri@faraafrica.org | Theodore.Asimeng@idos-research.de

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