Pan-African Parliament Adopts Landmark Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management to Secure Africa’s Future
Soil is the bedrock of Africa’s agriculture, environment, and livelihoods. Recognising this, the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) took a historic step on 7 November 2025 by adopting the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management in Africa during the Sixth Ordinary Session of its Sixth Legislature in Midrand. This pioneering legislation marks a milestone in the continent’s efforts to safeguard one of its most vital yet vulnerable resources: the soil.
The Model Law lays down a comprehensive legal and policy framework guiding African Union (AU) Member States to enact or strengthen national laws that promote the sustainable use, restoration, and protection of soils. By doing so, it advances key goals of food security, sustainable development, and environmental protection embedded in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Hon. Djidda Mamar Mahamat, Fourth Vice-President of PAP, emphasised the critical importance of this achievement. Chairing the session on behalf of PAP President H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, he described the adoption as a “groundbreaking step toward securing Africa’s agricultural and ecological future.” He urged all AU Member States to domesticate the law within their national policy frameworks, recognising that healthy soils underpin the continent’s prosperity.
The law’s development was an authentic African-led process. Hon. Garry Sakata, Chairperson of PAP’s Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment (REANRE), highlighted the inclusive nature of crafting the model legislation. It integrated scientific and indigenous knowledge systems, emphasising gender equality, transparency, and accountability throughout soil governance.
The drafting team included African experts led by Dr Harald Ginzky from the German Environment Agency and Prof Oliver Ruppel of Stellenbosch University. They carefully tailored the framework to African realities, informed by in-depth studies across eleven African countries. The resulting law provides guiding principles such as accountability, precaution, participation, and subsidiarity — privileging local decision-making for effectiveness.
Among the model law’s innovative features is the introduction of the Soil Impact Assessment (SIA). This mandatory regulatory mechanism requires that any major agricultural, industrial, or infrastructure project must evaluate potential impacts on soil health before gaining approval. This instrumental step ensures that economic growth does not come at the expense of soil degradation.
The law also mandates soil zoning and data systems, rehabilitation programmes, public participation in soil-related decisions, and gender equity provisions. The integration of indigenous knowledge alongside modern science reflects a commitment to decolonising Africa’s natural resource governance. Prof Ruppel described the law as “written by Africans, for Africa,” balancing sustainable development with justice.
The Model Law embraces all facets of soil governance, including sustainable agriculture and food security (Article 9), climate change mitigation and adaptation (Article 10), use regulation and planning (Articles 13–19), digitalisation and innovation (Articles 20–22), and enforcement and dispute resolution mechanisms (Articles 29–36). It builds on foundational policies like the Soil Initiative for Africa (2020), Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health Action Plan (2023–2033), and Nairobi Declaration on Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health (2024).
Members of the Pan-African Parliament expressed optimism during plenary sessions, praising the legislation’s inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking nature. With Africa containing 65 percent of the world’s remaining arable land, they called on governments to become global leaders in soil protection — securing Africa’s and the world’s food future.
In Zimbabwe, the Model Law presents a timely opportunity to harmonise national soil governance frameworks with continental standards. Zimbabwe’s own policies, such as its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), align closely with the Model Law’s aims by promoting resilient agriculture and environmental sustainability. Zimbabwean farmers, including youth and women groups, stand to benefit from improved soil conservation measures that enhance productivity and climate resilience.
FFA Explainer Box: Soil Impact Assessment (SIA)
An SIA is a regulatory procedure that evaluates the effects of proposed projects on soil quality to prevent degradation and promote sustainable management.
By adopting the Model Law, the Pan-African Parliament reaffirms its role under Article 11 of its Protocol, enabling it to harmonise and coordinate laws across AU Member States. This tool empowers countries to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN), a global goal that calls for balanced soil loss and restoration.
Ultimately, the Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management is a visionary framework that reflects Africa’s leadership in natural resource governance. As Hon. Garry Sakata poignantly stated, “Healthy soil means a healthy Africa.” This legislation provides the practical means to preserve soil health, boost agricultural productivity, and fortify communities against climate adversity — securing the continent’s future for generations to come.
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