The Kampala Statement-for-Action on reactive nitrogen in Africa and globally

Following discussions at the 6th International Nitrogen Conference, Kampala (24th–27th November 2013), the delegates agreed the Kampala Statement-for-Action on Reactive Nitrogen in Africa and Globally. The Statement-for-Action highlights the global challenge of aiming for just enough nitrogen: enough to meet human needs for food, fuel and fibre, while avoiding excess that contributes to air and water pollution, climate change and ecosystem degradation. The following priorities for Africa are highlighted: (i) Sub-Saharan African agriculture needs to be part of the solution to regional and world food security. This will require restoring and sustaining the fertility of Sub-Saharan African soils through better use of fertilizers in combination with other nutrient sources, such as organic matter and biological fixation. (ii) Smart input subsidy schemes helping to trigger profitable nutrient use should take care that increases in fertilizer find a balance between food security and reducing environmental effects, while recognizing that, (iii) Africa is already facing environmental challenges of nitrogenous air and water pollution even with current levels of nitrogen input. Current nitrogen inputs are thought to be mainly from sources other than chemical nitrogen fertilizers (e.g., biological nitrogen fixation, organic nitrogen inputs, wastewater), though further study is needed to demonstrate apportionment between nitrogen sources and sinks. The following global priorities are highlighted: (i) Improving nitrogen management should be incorporated as a critical component across the Sustainable Development Goals. (ii) The benefits of reducing nitrogen losses from agriculture, industry, transport and energy, of improved waste treatment and of better-informed individuals and institutions should be highlighted, including an emphasis on innovative nutrient recycling and on equitable diet and energy choices. (iii) There is a need for innovation and increased awareness on the nitrogen challenge, including through better communication, education and training. (iv) Solutions to the nitrogen issue should be tuned to regional conditions and require cross-ministerial, trans-disciplinary, multi-sectoral cooperation to create effective policies that fulfill regional and global commitments.