Regenerative Agriculture as a Climate Solution The soil beneath our feet holds a powerful secret it can help fight climate change. How? By acting as a natural sponge that pulls carbon dioxide (CO₂) out of the atmosphere and stores it safely underground. This process is called carbon sequestration, and it’s one of nature’s best tools for cooling the planet. But it only works if the soil is alive full of roots, worms, microbes, and organic matter. That’s where regenerative agriculture comes in. Soil and Carbon Soil is the second largest carbon sink on Earth, after the oceans. When we farm regeneratively, we put more carbon into the soil than we release into the air. Proven Benefits of Regenerative Practices: - Increase in Soil Organic Matter (SOM): Studies show that regenerative practices can raise SOM by 0.4% to 1% per year. This may not sound like much, but it’s equivalent to tons of carbon per hectare. - Water Retention: Every 1% increase in SOM allows soil to hold about 20,000 more litres of water per acre critical during droughts. - Erosion Control: Cover crops and mulching protect the soil from wind and rain erosion. - Reduced Emissions: By using compost instead of synthetic fertilizers, we avoid the release of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. - Biodiversity Boost: Healthier soil supports more insects, fungi, and microorganisms all part of a balanced ecosystem. Global Evidence In the USA, the Rodale Institute found that regenerative farms can sequester up to 3 tons of carbon per hectare per year. In Kenya and Ethiopia, agroforestry projects led to higher yields and better rainfall retention, while reducing the need for fertilizer. In India, smallholder farmers using natural farming methods saw increased yields, better soil health, and lower costs all while capturing more carbon in the soil.
What This Means for African Farmers Climate change is already affecting African agriculture: shorter rainy seasons, unexpected floods, and new pests. Regenerative agriculture is not just good for the planet it's a survival strategy for farmers. When you: Compost your animal manure instead of burning it, Leave crop residues on the field instead of clearing them, Grow legumes that feed your soil and your family, Plant trees alongside your crops you are building climate resilience and making your farm part of the climate solution. In Simple Words: Healthy soils = Healthy farms = Healthy planet. And the best part? These practices are affordable, local, and based on knowledge our grandparents used now backed by science.
