Image:Cropaia

By Brandon Moss

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder farmers are increasingly embracing regenerative agriculture as a means of restoring soil health, improving yields, and building resilience against climate shocks. At a roundtable held on October 5, 2025, farmers from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia shared their experiences of integrating traditional knowledge with modern techniques to create more sustainable farming systems.

Regenerative agriculture encompasses a range of practices, including crop rotation, agroforestry, and organic composting. These methods not only improve soil fertility but also reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, which are often expensive and environmentally damaging. Farmers at the roundtable described how these practices have helped them increase productivity while simultaneously protecting their land from erosion and degradation.

The event, co-organized by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and Bayer, emphasized the importance of evidence-based, technology-neutral policies that empower farmers to adopt regenerative practices at scale. Participants stressed that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as farming systems must be tailored to local conditions and cultural contexts.

Experts noted that regenerative agriculture is not just about environmental sustainability but also about economic opportunity. By improving yields and reducing input costs, smallholder farmers can increase their incomes and strengthen food security in their communities. The movement is also attracting international attention, with global organizations calling for greater investment in training and infrastructure to support Africa’s transition to regenerative farming.