In a move to bolster food security and combat land degradation, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has formally endorsed the IGAD Fertilizer and Soil Health Hub.

Agriculture ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda endorsed the initiative on September 9, 2025, during the 2nd Africa Climate Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This decision was a culmination of collaborative efforts acknowledging urgent action against soil degradation and ineffective fertilizer use.

Executive Secretary of IGAD, Workneh Gebeyehu (PhD), addressed reporters after the ceremony.

"This Hub represents a unified commitment to healthier soils and sustainable fertilizer practices across our region," Executive Secretary Workneh stated from the IGAD headquarters at Avenue Georges Clemenceau in Djibouti City, Djibouti.

He emphasized that the initiative seeks to transform agri-food systems, promote climate resilience, and address food and nutrition security.

The establishment document and implementation plan are designed to act as a framework for coordinated regional action on improving fertilizer use and soil health management in the IGAD region.

The ministers reaffirmed their shared vision of seeing "IGAD region soils are healthy and fertilizers are sustainably used."

They also supported a mission to promote policy alignment, coordination, capacity building, data-driven information systems, and resource mobilization across IGAD Member States.

According to IGAD, the Hub will prioritize key areas, including policy advocacy, capacity building, soil information systems, integrated soil fertility management, research and innovation, market development, and resource mobilization.

It seeks to promote sustainable agriculture and combat desertification within the IGAD region.

 Abimbola Oluwole, a senior agriculture advisor at the African Union Commission, based in Addis Ababa, applauded the move.