By Ncaba Ntshakala
PRIME Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini has urged African countries to implement robust standards, pragmatic policies, and effective control measures to prevent the dumping of low-quality products, including fertilizers, from outside of the continent.
The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit, during the assembly of Heads of State and Government in Nairobi, Kenya, where he represented His Majesty King Mswati III.
Addressing a distinguished gathering at the Summit, Prime Minister Dlamini highlighted the critical importance of soil health and fertilizer use in agriculture, emphasizing that healthy soils are essential for sustainable food production and the attainment of food sovereignty.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by nations like Kenya and neighbouring states, grappling with the immediate impacts of climate change, and offered heartfelt condolences to those affected by recent tragedies.
ALSO READ: Prime Minister highlights need to…
“This Summit is taking place at a challenging time for the Republic of Kenya and neighbouring States, as they grapple with the firsthand impacts of climate change, including devastating floods,” The Premier stated.
“On behalf of His Majesty the King and the entire Eswatini Nation, I extend our deepest condolences to those affected by these tragedies.
It is our sincere prayer that there may be comfort to those who have lost their loved ones and speedy relief to those who have survived and are adversely affected.”
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini reflected on the past successes and challenges in agricultural practices and emphasized the need to embrace sustainable agricultural practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.
While acknowledging the historical reliance on synthetic fertilizers for their cost-effectiveness and efficacy, he highlighted the adverse effects on soil health and the environment, necessitating a balance between synthetic and organic fertilizers.
Eswatini, like many nations globally, has recognized the significance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and has implemented initiatives prioritizing soil health and responsible fertilizer use.
The country’s achievements in achieving 57kg/ha nutrient content in the soil align with the theme of the conference, “Speak to the Soil,” indicating a commitment to sustainable agricultural development.
“Eswatini, like many nations globally, has historically promoted the use of synthetic fertilizers due to their cost effectiveness and efficacy, which contributed to improvements in agricultural productivity.
However, this reliance has also led to a decline in soil health, expressing the need to strike a balance between synthetic and organic fertilizers,” Dlamini added.
ALSO READ: Prime Minister makes historic appearance…
The Prime Minister urged African leaders to guard against the dumping of low-quality and dangerous products from outside of the continent, emphasizing the importance of implementing robust standards, pragmatic policies, and effective control measures.
He stressed the need to reject temporary solutions that could lead to significant and costly long-term problems.
“As African countries, we must guard against dumping of low quality and dangerous products from outside of the continent.
African leaders must learn to reject temporary solutions that cause significant and costly problems in the long term,” Further stated Prime Minister Russell Dlamini.
“To achieve this Africa must implement robust standards, pragmatic policies and effective control measures.
ALSO READ: DPM lands helping hand to…
Research has proven that we can learn many good practices from indigenous people and build upon such for scaling up and sustaining food production systems.”
In concluding his remarks, the Premier expressed optimism about forging partnerships among African nations to drive positive change in the continent’s agricultural landscape.
He reaffirmed Eswatini’s full support and commitment to the ‘Nairobi Declaration,’ including its implementation roadmap.
