- Despite their critical role, smallholder farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, markets and technological innovations.
- Therefore, empowering these farmers through education, financial support and access to sustainable agricultural technologies is essential.
Image: FILE
The World Environment Day provides an opportune moment to reflect on our environmental stewardship and to restrategise our efforts to protect and restore the planet.
This year’s theme #GenerationRestoration serves as a reminder that collective action will help us make the planet a better place. We as Sistema.Bio are part of the movement and we purpose to play our part in restoring our land to its former glory through soil regeneration.
Soil, often referred to as the planet's skin, plays an integral role in water filtration, carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling. Healthy soil supports robust crop growth, which is essential for food production. However, decades of intensive farming, deforestation and industrial pollution have severely degraded soils worldwide, leading to reduced fertility, increased erosion and the loss of vital soil organisms.
Soil regeneration stands at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices, representing not just an ecological necessity but a fundamental component of human survival. As the global population continues to surge, the demand for food increases, placing unprecedented strain on our agricultural systems. In this context, smallholder farmers emerge as crucial custodians of soil health and, by extension, global food security.
Smallholder farmers, who manage less than five hectares of land, constitute approximately 500 million farms globally and produce up to 80 per cent of the food consumed in large parts of the developing world. These farmers are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in soil regeneration for several reasons.
Firstly, smallholder farmers often possess intricate knowledge of their local ecosystems, honed over generations. This knowledge includes understanding the nuances of soil types, local climate conditions and crop requirements, enabling them to implement effective soil management practices.
Secondly, smallholder farmers tend to utilise diversified farming systems that are less reliant on synthetic inputs, reducing the risk of soil degradation. Their reliance on organic methods, such as composting and intercropping, naturally supports soil regeneration.
Despite their critical role, smallholder farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to resources, markets and technological innovations. Therefore, empowering these farmers through education, financial support and access to sustainable agricultural technologies is essential. Governments, NGOs and international agencies must collaborate to provide the necessary infrastructure and support systems that enable smallholders to practice and sustain soil regeneration methods effectively.
Now more than ever, it is crucial to share best practices, innovative solutions and successful case studies that can inspire and educate others. Additionally, fostering global dialogues about soil health, sustainable agriculture and food security that include smallholder farmers can lead to more cohesive and effective policies and actions for #GenerationRestoration.
As we celebrate World Environment Day, let us recommit to supporting these farmers and promoting soil regeneration practices. By doing so, we can ensure the health of our soils, the sustainability of our food systems and the resilience of our planet for future generations.
Commercial director, Sistema.bio (Kenya)