African countries agree major soil fertiliser deal to combat food crisis

Leaders in West Africa and the Sahel pledged to consider soil health as a “critical pillar of food security” and committed to tripling fertiliser consumption by 2035. AFP - SIMON WOHLFAHRT

Seventeen countries in West Africa and the Sahel have agreed a deal to make soil fertilisers more accessible and affordable. The region, heavily dependent on imports, is facing a major food crisis that has been exacerbated by climate change.

The "Lomé Declaration on Fertilizers and Soil Health" was approved after two days of talks in Togo by country leaders and other representatives.