These impactful ideas are digging deep to restore Africa’s soils—and secure its harvests.
Soil is more than dirt. It’s the living foundation of every meal we eat, every harvest we celebrate, and every farmer’s dream of a better tomorrow.
Yet across Africa, this foundation is crumbling.
In Kenya, over 65% of soils are degraded, drained of nutrients, and under constant pressure from climate stress, overuse of chemical fertilizers, and unsustainable farming. The result? Lower yields, higher costs, and rising food insecurity.
But in June 2025, hope sprouted.
Kenya hosted the first-ever Soil 4Health Challenge, part of the Data for Soil Health and Scale Summit, drawing over 400 innovators, policymakers, and experts from across Eastern and Southern Africa. Their shared mission? Turn cutting-edge data and technology into farmer-friendly tools that can revive our soils—and our food systems.
Top Innovations Transforming Soil Health in Africa
From carbon-negative fertilizers to AI-powered soil testing kits, here are some of the most exciting innovations from the challenge.
1. Ycenter Shambah Solutions – Regenerative Farming in Your Pocket
“Degraded soils cost Kenya $3 billion every year. We show farmers how to earn $500 per hectare while healing their land.” – George Maina, CEO, Ycenter
Shambah Solutions’ mobile-based AI kit diagnoses soil conditions in under 15 minutes. Farmers receive personalized advice on planting and fertilizer use via SMS and USSD, with guidance linked to real-time crop performance.
Impact Highlights:
- 40,000+ farmers reached
- 30% average yield boost
- Easy access, even without smartphones
2. Rhea AgriPad – Soil Testing Made Simple and Smart
Say goodbye to waiting weeks for lab results. The Rhea AgriPad is a pocket-sized testing device that delivers soil health reports in just 15 minutes, complete with GPS-based fertilizer recommendations.
Why It Matters:
- 45% yield increase in Murang’a avocado farms
- Integrated WhatsApp bot + computer vision
- Onboarded 100+ agro-dealers
3. Safi Organics – Decentralized Organic Fertilizer Production
Safi Organics produces carbon-negative fertilizer from farm waste—creating jobs, reducing emissions, and improving soil fertility all in one go.
Results So Far:
- 15,000+ farmers served
- 200 youth jobs created
- 35,000+ tonnes of carbon sequestered
“This is fertilizer made by communities, for communities.”
4. Ujuzi Kilimo – Real-Time Diagnostics for Every Farmer
SoilPal, Ujuzi Kilimo’s device, tests key nutrients on the spot. Backed by AI and accessible via SMS, it offers real-time recommendations to boost yields and minimize input waste.
Key Stats:
- 100,000+ farmers served
- 200 trained youth soil test agents
- Device patent filed in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa
5. Agrobiotics BioBlend – Restoring Soil’s Microbial Life
Ugandan startup Agrobiotics developed BioBlend, a microbial soil enhancer that restores soil biology and improves nutrient uptake—even under harsh conditions.
Science Snapshot:
- Microbial count increased from 1,000 to 100 million CFUs
- 40% yield gains reported in trials
- Available in powder and liquid forms
🔧 More Smart Tools Worth Watching
- Antugrow (Kenya)- https://antugrow.com/: AI-driven soil health mapping using field sensors and satellite data
- Umuntu Agrobiotics (Uganda):- https://umuntuagrobiotics.com/ A microbial “bio-blend” that boosts yields by 40% while slashing production costs
- CropNuts (Kenya): – https://cropnuts.com/ Lab-based diagnostics integrated with the OneSoil digital platform
- Mechro Limited (Malawi): https://mechro.io/ Color-coded “Chameleon Tools” for real-time water and nutrient management
- FarmFit – A “Fitbit for farms” offering crop and risk recommendations using satellite and soil data
- AgWise & AI Fertilizer API – Precision fertilizer systems reducing input waste and boosting yields by up to 38%
- Soil Sink AI, GAIS, KIDUKA, and Wise Platform – AI-powered platforms giving farmers data-driven soil health guidance
- Varaha Climate’s “Vana” App – Helps farmers earn from verified tree planting and carbon credits
- Vassar Labs’ FieldWise – A digital twin of your farm that saves input costs and improves accuracy
What Experts and Leaders Are Saying
“I was farming blind, wasting money on the wrong fertilizers. Soil testing turned my fortunes around.” – Mutahi Kagwe, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary
“Data is the bridge to smarter, more resilient food systems.” – Anne Bakilana, World Bank Operations Manager
“Counties are not spectators—we’re active players.” – Mutahi Kahiga, Governor of Nyeri County
What Comes Next?
The Soil 4Health Challenge is just the beginning. The winning innovators will receive support from the World Bank, British High Commission, and private sector partners to scale their solutions across Kenya and beyond.
The event also aligned with:
- Kenya’s upcoming National Soil Information System (KenSIS)
- A new soil policy and bill
- A growing coalition of public-private partnerships for soil health
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a policymaker, investor, student, or citizen—soil health impacts you. Here’s how to be part of the solution:
- 📣 Share this post and spread awareness
- 🌍 Support regenerative and organic agriculture
- 🤝 Partner with or fund soil health innovators
- 📲 Follow @Soil4Health on social media for updates
Healthy soil = healthy food = healthy lives. Let’s dig into the future together.
Summary of winners
🏆 Overall Winner – Data4SoilHealth Challenge
Ycenter Shambah Solutions (Kenya)
An AI-powered, mobile-based soil testing kit that delivers diagnostics in under 15 minutes—helping farmers make informed decisions in real time.
🥈 Runners-Up – Data4SoilHealth Category
- Antugrow (Kenya): AI platform using satellite and sensor data for soil mapping.
- Varaha Climate Ag (India): SOC monitoring via remote sensing and AI.
- AgWise DST (Italy): Digital nutrient management through precision algorithms.
- Earth Guard (Kenya): AI + GIS system for carbon sequestration and soil regeneration.
🎓 Academia Awards
- AgriChain Kenya: AI + GIS + blockchain for soil traceability and transparency.
- Kiduka Research Hub (Kenya): Community-led soil data mapping and micro-recommendations.
- Kibabii University: Predictive modeling of soil degradation using AI.
- University of Amsterdam: Optimized fertilizer distribution through linear programming.
🏅 Winner – Innovation Challenge
Umuntu Agrobiotics (Uganda)
“Bio-blend” microbial solution increasing yields by 40% while slashing input costs by 42%—a game changer for regenerative agriculture.
🥈 Runners-Up – Innovation Category
- Rhea Soil Health (Kenya): AI-driven, WhatsApp-integrated soil testing kit.
- Mechro Ltd (Malawi): “Chameleon Tools” using color shifts to guide irrigation and fertilizer timing.
🔬 Thryve Soil Testing Award
- CropNuts (Kenya): Accredited lab-based diagnostics connected to OneSoil digital tools.
- Ujuzi Kilimo (Kenya): Sensor-based testers delivering pH and nutrient results via SMS.
