Cracks in the Earth: Why is East Africa losing its soil?
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Date
2026-05-05
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers
Abstract
In East Africa, soil is being washed away from the land into rivers faster than ever. This is because of changes in how people interact with their land, soil, and plants. First, forests were cut down to make farms. Later, growing numbers of animals overgrazed grasslands. Without trees and grasses to protect the soil, heavy rain quickly began washing it away. Steep, deep cuts in the land, called gullies, then form and keep growing faster and faster, carrying away soil, water, nutrients, and even seeds. This makes it hard for plants to grow back. In response, people are starting to take action. They are using traditional tools to slow down water, regrow plants, and fix damaged land. However, they need help from governments and scientists to apply these solutions to bigger gullies and across larger regions. Protecting healthy soils is important so that people in East African can keep producing enough food in the future.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 15: Life on Land
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Keywords
SOIL EROSION, VOLCANIC HIGHLANDS, FERTILE