Much of the Sub-Saharan Africa suffers from poor soil, poor crops, poor water quality and poor livestock health. These all contribute to poor human health and stagnant economic development. There have been very few changes in farming practices over the last 30 years in the region largely because farmers are trapped in poverty. This is leading to increasing food insecurity, water scarcity and environmental degradation. What can be done to change this situation? The answer lies in the soil itself.