SADC Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub

Visit our Regional Digital Soil Maps page for direct links to soil datasets across the SADC region.

Overview

Over 40% of Africa’s agricultural soils are degraded due to fertilizer mismanagement and unsustainable farming practices. In Southern Africa, additional pressures such as deforestation, degraded grazing lands, high input costs, climate variability, and limited extension services further undermine agricultural productivity and resilience. In response, the SADC Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub — hosted by CCARDESA — serves as a regional coordination platform to address these challenges holistically.

The Hub promotes integrated soil health and fertilizer management solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with continental and global frameworks. It facilitates the implementation of the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (AFSH-AP) and the Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA), following the landmark outcomes of the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit held in May 2024.

The Vision

Integrated soil health management at the farm and landscape level and efficient fertilizer use on farms for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive agri-food systems for a food, water, and nutrition-secure and prosperous Southern Africa region with improved livelihoods for all of its people.

Mission statement

Transform agri-food systems through large-scale dissemination of evidence-based practices, tools, and products, integrating enhanced soil health management at farm and landscape levels, efficient fertilization use, harmonized regulations, and private sector-led input and output markets in the national institutions/member states.

Strategic Objectives

The Hub pursues six core strategic objectives:

SO0: Raise awareness and support the domestication of the AFSH-AP by Member States.
SO1: Coordinate implementation and foster regional collaboration among stakeholders.
SO2: Enable access to knowledge, data, and innovation for informed decision-making.
SO3: Build technical and institutional capacities for integrated soil and fertilizer management.
SO4: Support the development and harmonization of evidence-based policies and legal frameworks.
SO5: Attract and coordinate public and private investments in soil health and fertilizer initiatives.

Principles Guiding the Hub

The Hub operates on ten core principles:

Partnerships for impact
Soil- and human-centric approaches
Scientific and research excellence
Data-driven decisions
Capacity building and knowledge sharing
Advocacy and policy influence
Scaling for broad impact
Targeted investment alignment
Localization and subsidiarity
Continuous monitoring and adaptive management

Key Functions

The Hub performs several critical functions:

Promotes awareness and understanding of soil health and fertilizer issues.
Coordinates regional and national platforms for integrated action.
Facilitates knowledge exchange and innovation adoption.
Supports evidence-based policy formulation and regulatory harmonization.
Mobilizes resources to scale up sustainable soil and fertilizer practices.

Implementation Structure

Regional Coordination

The Regional Hub, hosted by CCARDESA, serves as the central coordinating unit. It manages the implementation of the AFSH-AP and SADC Soil Health and Fertilizer Program through a collaborative, decentralized model that involves:

A Hub Secretariat responsible for day-to-day coordination.
A network of 16 National Soil Health and Fertilizer Platforms embedded within national Ministries of Agriculture.
Technical Working Groups (TWGs) convened to tackle cross-cutting issues such as policy, research, and data systems.
Close alignment with continental frameworks and support from international partners and coalitions.

National Platforms

Each Member State establishes a National Platform to domesticate the AFSH-AP, appoints a focal institution or representative, and aligns national activities with regional priorities. These platforms also facilitate stakeholder engagement and ensure inclusivity across different demographic groups.

Theory of Change

The Hub’s approach is grounded in the belief that healthy soils and improved fertility management — when paired with inclusive market access — lead to resilient food systems. The long-term vision includes:

Universal access to sustainable soil practices.
Strengthened research and institutional capacities.
Robust soil information systems.
Inclusive and profitable markets.
Broad dissemination of knowledge products.
Sustained financial and operational capacity of the Hub.

These outcomes are supported by enabling conditions such as strong political will, harmonized legal frameworks, stakeholder participation, and inclusive programming for youth, women, and marginalized communities.

Governance and Partnerships

The governance model ensures inclusivity, transparency, and accountability through:

Steering Committee – Comprising representatives from SADC, donors, private sector, farmer organizations, and researchers.
Technical Working Groups – Expert-driven panels addressing thematic areas.
Stakeholder General Assembly – A broad forum ensuring accountability and engagement.
CCARDESA Secretariat – Managing coordination, technical support, and operational execution.

The Hub works closely with governments, research institutions, NGOs, development partners, and the private sector to align and scale efforts across the region.

Knowledge and Communication

The CCARDESA Knowledge Hub serves as the main repository and communication platform for soil health and fertilizer information. It provides access to digital tools, training materials, policy briefs, and research findings, facilitating stakeholder learning and regional collaboration.

Inclusion, Environment, and Safeguards

The Hub mainstreams gender and social inclusion by prioritizing the participation of women, youth, and marginalized communities. It promotes digital literacy, tailored advisories, and inclusive policy dialogues.

Environmental and social safeguards are upheld through the adoption of an Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). This ensures responsible implementation, risk management, and compliance with environmental and social standards.

Conclusion

The SADC Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub serves as a transformative platform for advancing sustainable soil and fertilizer management across Southern Africa. By fostering collaboration, building capacity, and aligning investments, the Hub contributes to a resilient and productive agricultural sector that leaves no one behind.

SADC Soil Health and Fertilizer Hub Visit our Regional Digital Soil Maps page for direct links to soil datasets across the SADC region.