The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) is set to launch a new project aimed at improving soil mapping and supporting sustainable agriculture in the country.
The Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood Systems (SoilFer) project will be unveiled on Tuesday, September 29, at the KALRO NARL campus in Kabete.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe is expected to preside over the launch, which will also mark the rollout of several initiatives focused on improving knowledge and management of Kenya’s soils.
The event will see the launch of the Kenya Soil Partnership and the Kenya National Soil Laboratory Network (NASOLAN). The national rollout of the Global Soil Doctors Programme will also take place.
The SoilFer project is supported by the United States Department of State and the Government of Japan.
The project comes at a time when soil health is increasingly being linked to the country’s ability to maintain food production and protect agricultural land.
KALRO said better information on soils will help strengthen investment in soil resources and improve the management of agricultural land.
The fertility of soils is vital to crop farming, while continuous deterioration of soil fertility will eventually limit the capability of farmers to farm crops.
The organisation further indicated that investment in soil fertility was essential for building resilient agricultural systems and ensuring productive soils for future generations.
The launch is expected to bring together stakeholders involved in agriculture, soil research and management as Kenya seeks to strengthen its understanding and use of soil resources.