Africa can feed itself if its soil becomes more productive. Differences in food productivity can be explained in large part by differences in Africa’s soil management as well as shocks. Higher food productivity, in turn, can help achieve many SDGs, including reducing poverty and hunger, accelerating economic development, improving trade and balance of payments positions, and increasing the fiscal space available to countries in pursuing sustainable human development. 

This policy brief focuses on the challenges and opportunities to improve Africa’s food productivity through better soil management, reduced food imports and enhanced food production through improved soil productivity. The policy recommendations include options for improved practices both on and off the farm.