Friday, March 31, 2006
Severe land degradation in Africa
A new report by The International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development (IFDC) presents findings of a programme of monitoring soil 'health' in Africa over the period 1980 to 2004. The IFDC concludes that in several countries the use of the land for agriculture is unsustainable because of nutrient depletion. This has arisen due to over-exploitation, use of marginal land and poor land management practices. The situation is exacerbated by the low usage of fertiliser in Africa which has one of the lowest rates of usage in the world.
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On reflection, while there is considerable substance to reports of the severity of land degradation in Africa, it would be unwise to accept all reports on face value. For example, reporting agencies such as the International Center for Soil Fertility and Agricultural Development might have vested interests in promoting the sales of fertiliser.... To investigate the claims of severe land degradation in Africa further one may wish to read scientific publications from relevant journals (eg 'Land Degradation').
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