The Dirt Beneath Everything: Why Africa’s Soil Crisis Is Bigger Than We Think | Soinato Leboo

What if the biggest challenge facing African agriculture isn’t seed, fertilizer or finance? What if it’s the soil itself? In this episode of The Yield, host Zanele Hlatshwayo sits down with Soinato Leboo, Co-Founder of Rhea, to explore one of the most overlooked yet critical issues in agriculture: soil health. From declining fertility and nutrient depletion to soil testing, farm productivity and the future of food security, this conversation unpacks why understanding what lies beneath our feet may be the key to unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential. Soinato shares lessons from working directly with farmers, building agricultural technology solutions and helping producers make more informed decisions about their land. Together, we discuss why some farmers consistently outperform others, common misconceptions about fertilizer, and what practical steps farmers can take to build healthier and more productive soils. Whether you’re a farmer, agribusiness entrepreneur, investor, researcher or simply passionate about the future of African agriculture, this episode is packed with valuable insights. ⸻ In this episode: • Why soil health matters more than most farmers realize • The hidden drivers of farm productivity • What healthy soil actually looks like • Common misconceptions about fertilizer • The role of soil testing in modern farming • How technology is helping farmers make better decisions • The future of soil health in Africa • Practical actions farmers can take today ⸻ About Soinato Leboo Soinato Leboo is the Co-Founder of Rhea, a Kenyan AgriTech company helping farmers access faster, more actionable soil intelligence. Through technology and farmer-centered solutions, Rhea works to improve decision-making, productivity and sustainability across agricultural systems. ⸻ About The Yield The Yield is a podcast exploring the stories, businesses, markets and ideas shaping the future of African agriculture. Hosted by Zanele Hlatshwayo — investor, farmer and storyteller — the show brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and industry leaders from across the continent. New episodes every week. 🎙️ Subscribe for conversations at the intersection of farming, business, investment and innovation. ⸻ Follow The Yield: Instagram: The Yield.Africa LinkedIn: The Yield Africa ⸻ #TheYieldPodcast #AfricanAgriculture #SoilHealth #SoinatoLeboo #AgriTech #Agriculture #Farming #FoodSecurity #FarmProductivity #Agribusiness #Africa #SoilTesting #AgriculturalInnovation #Farmers #SustainableAgriculture