‘Develop national soil information system to avoid hunger’- Don warns FG

Professor Gabriel Akinboye Oluwatosin, an expert in Soil Survey and Land Evaluation, has emphasized the importance of establishing a national soil information system in Nigeria. He highlighted this need during the 377th inaugural lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he spoke on the topic “Soil in Food and National Security: Matter Arising.”

In his lecture, Prof. Oluwatosin pointed out the critical role of soil in ensuring the production of nutritious food and preventing hunger in the country. He drew attention to the current global challenges of soil degradation and the modern soil crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for effective soil management.

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The professor advocated for the development of a national soil information system, which he believes is crucial for facilitating better communication between scientists and land users. Such a system would enable more efficient and sustainable management of soil resources, directly impacting food production and, by extension, national security.InformationGuideNigeria

The event was attended by notable personalities, including the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Banire, and the Executive Director of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Professor Veronica Obatolu. Prof. Oluwatosin‘s call to action underscores the interconnectedness of soil health, agricultural productivity, and national security, highlighting the need for concerted efforts in soil management and conservation.

“Food and national security are intrinsically linked to the soil. Attempting to accommodate growing food demand through unsustainable intensification and management practices is degrading the soil and we are running out of arable and grazing lands.

“To avoid further degradation, land should be used in accordance with its capabilities. We must care for soil and take measures to maintain its capability and working conditions in order to restore what has been lost through regenerative agriculture,” he saidJAMB Portal

The don said further: “Mr Vice Chancellor, sir, I would like to make the following recommendations: Development of a national holistic soil information system based on the genoform and capability systems for easy connectivity among scientists and land users—Nigeria needs semi-detailed digital soil maps for ease of planning and policy-making.

“Development and reporting of a national soil capability system and a resolution that is effective across scales (farm, state, and regional) to underpin account for soil; adoption of elevation strategies and indicators of the continuum of soil condition in the form of a minimum data set; as well as soil management at local, spatial, and temporal scales.NYSC PORTAL

“Reporting the value of the soil asset through developing a statement of Nigeria’s natural capital; and developing a national account for soil in order to recognise the value that soil contributes to the financial and business sectors.”

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