Gathered in Midrand, South Africa, during the Sixth Ordinary Session of its Sixth Legislature, Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) have overwhelmingly adopted the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa, marking a historic milestone in the continent’s pursuit of sustainable development, food security, and environmental protection.
The Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa provides a comprehensive framework to guide Member States in formulating and strengthening national legislation and policies on soil management. Its primary objectives are to promote the sustainable use and management of soil as a key resource for food and nutrition security and resilience to climate change, and to support strategies for soil conservation, restoration, and fertility enhancement to combat degradation and advance the achievement of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) across the continent.
Chairing the session on behalf of the PAP President, Fourth Vice-President Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat hailed the adoption as a groundbreaking step toward safeguarding Africa’s soil resources and agricultural future. He commended the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment for its leadership and urged all Member States to domesticate the law within their national frameworks.
“Our soil is Africa’s most valuable asset,” he said. “We must protect it for our people and for generations to come, ensuring our soils remain fertile, productive, and sustainable in line with the goals of Agenda 2063.”
Presenting the report, Hon. Garry Sakata, Chairperson of the Committee, described the Model Law as the outcome of a truly African process — shaped by years of research, consultation, and stakeholder engagement. He emphasised that the law promotes sustainable soil use, integrates indigenous knowledge, and upholds principles of gender equality, transparency, and accountability.
“This law represents years of shared knowledge by African experts, communities, and policymakers working together to protect our soils — the foundation of Africa’s prosperity,” he said.
Developed by a team of African experts led by Dr. Harald Ginzky of the German Environment Agency and Prof. Oliver Ruppel of Stellenbosch University, the Model Law provides a comprehensive framework for soil governance. The drafting team collaborated closely with the PAP Committee on Agriculture to ensure the framework reflects African realities while incorporating international best practices.
Grounded in eleven country studies that examined existing soil legislation and governance systems, the Model Law identifies strengths, gaps, and opportunities for harmonisation.
Dr. Ginzky highlighted the law’s pioneering regulatory mechanisms, notably the Soil Impact Assessment, a forward-looking tool ensuring that soil health is considered before industrial, agricultural, or infrastructural projects are approved. He also underscored the importance of public participation, awareness-raising, zoning, and data management in enabling Member States to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
“This law strikes a balance between economic growth and environmental protection,” he noted. “It establishes a framework where sustainable soil management becomes a shared responsibility among governments, communities, and the private sector.”
He added that the Model Law’s principles could inspire similar initiatives in other regions of the world.
Building on this foundation, Prof. Ruppel described the law as “a modern, forward-looking framework that helps decolonise Africa’s soils” by empowering nations to govern their natural resources through African-led, science-based approaches. He stressed that the Model Law not only provides a strong legislative foundation but also serves as a platform for cooperation, research, and innovation across the continent.
“This is a law written by Africans, for Africa, rooted in science and guided by justice,” he said. “It will strengthen resilience against climate change, improve livelihoods, and promote the responsible use of one of our most vital natural assets.”
During deliberations, Members of the Pan-African Parliament praised the Committee and expert team for their visionary work and expressed strong support for the Model Law. They emphasised that it will help national parliaments strengthen legislative frameworks, harmonise soil governance, and enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
Members also highlighted the law’s inclusive approach — integrating indigenous knowledge, scientific evidence, and community participation — as a bridge between traditional practices and modern policy. With Africa hosting 65 percent of the world’s remaining arable land, Parliamentarians stressed that the continent must take the lead in sustainable soil management to ensure both Africa’s and the world’s food security.
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