By Jackline Mauta
Soil erosion is quietly eating away at Africa’s farms, carrying off tonnes of nutritious top soil every rainy season. For smallholder farmers, this is more than a natural hazard . it’s a direct threat to food security and livelihoods.
FIPS Africa is working with communities to tackle this challenge head-on, promoting sustainable and practical solutions that protect both soil and future harvests. One of the most effective methods we champion is terracing specifically, Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini techniques.
Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini terraces involve digging ditches along farm contours. In Fanya Juu, the excavated soil is placed above the ditch, forming a ridge; in Fanya Chini, the soil is placed below, creating a basin. These structures act as barriers that slow down water, trap soil and prevent it from washing away.
Terraces offer more than just erosion control. They improve on-farm water retention, giving crops a fighting chance during dry spells and ensuring that the investment in seeds and fertilisers pays off. By keeping soil fertile and stable, terraces also drive sustainable yields, enabling small farms to generate reliable income season after season.
Through our Village-Based Advisor (VBA) network, FIPS Africa provides hands-on training and technical support. Farmers learn how to construct terraces using simple tools and local labour turning modest effort into lasting benefits.
Beyond the immediate impact on crops, terracing strengthens communities. Stable, fertile farms mean families can plan for the future, invest in education, and grow local economies. It’s a small step on the farm, but a giant leap for food security.
At FIPS Africa, we believe that soil is more than dirt ,it is wealth. By investing in simple, sustainable practices like Fanya Juu and Fanya Chini terraces, farmers can protect their land and secure their harvests for generations.