AGRA to Help Revive Depleted Soils of Small-Scale Farmers

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Determined to revive the grossly depleted soils of sub-Saharan Africa, which are a major underlying cause of poverty and hunger, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) today announced a $180 million five-year program to restore the fertility of Africa's soils.

"AGRA's Soil Health Program will breathe new life into soils where rapid nutrient loss is sapping the ability of farmlands to sustain crops," said Dr. Namanga Ngongi, President of AGRA. "This will improve the sustainability of small-scale farms, raise the yield and income of poor farmers, most of whom are women, and help protect the natural resource base of soil and water."

To read the full press release, visit the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Web site.