The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has emphasised the urgent need for soil conservation as Uganda joins the global community in marking World Soil Day (WSD) 2024 on December 5.
This year’s celebrations, under the theme “Conserve Soil for Wealth Creation and Livelihood,” will take place at Busitema University’s Arapai campus, Soroti City, alongside the launch of the Uganda Soil Institute (USI).
The Importance of Soil Conservation
Globally, soil degradation poses a serious threat to sustainable agriculture and food security. Statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveal that 33% of global soil resources are degraded, resulting in annual losses of approximately 750 billion tons of soil. In Uganda, declining soil fertility continues to affect crop yields, particularly for small-scale farmers, underscoring the need for sustainable management practices.
“Soil is the lifeblood of agriculture, supporting about 95% of food production,” remarked Maj. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, State Minister for Agriculture, during a press briefing.
He added that the loss of soil fertility has far-reaching implications for national food security and the economy, as Uganda’s soils are old, heavily leached, and increasingly unproductive due to mismanagement.
Healthy soils are essential not only for plant growth but also for carbon storage, water filtration, and biodiversity. However, soil degradation persists in various forms, including erosion, compaction, acidification, and salinisation.
These factors threaten agricultural productivity and undermine Uganda’s ambitions under the National Development Plan III (NDP III) to raise household incomes and improve the quality of life.
Launch of the Uganda Soil Institute
The highlight of this year’s celebrations will be the launch of the Uganda Soil Institute (USI) at Busitema University. Designed as a semi-autonomous center of excellence, USI will address Uganda’s soil management challenges by serving as a hub for soil-related technologies, research, and innovation.
Supported by MAAIF, academic institutions, and stakeholders, the institute will offer soil testing, training, advocacy, and policy formulation to promote sustainable soil use.
“This will be a game-changer for soil resource management in Uganda, providing farmers and stakeholders with the tools they need to measure, monitor, and manage soils effectively,” noted Minister Kyakulaga.
The government has already secured funds for soil mapping and increased staffing levels to handle soil-related issues. However, the minister called on development partners, the private sector, and Ugandans at large to support the institute and its mission.
World Soil Day 2024 Activities
World Soil Day will feature a series of activities at Busitema University, including field demonstrations, scientific conferences, and media engagements.
These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the critical role of soil in ensuring food security, mitigating climate change, and enhancing livelihoods.
The minister appealed to all Ugandans to embrace sustainable soil practices in line with this year’s global theme, “Measure, Monitor, and Manage.” He stressed that protecting soil resources is not only a responsibility for farmers but for all stakeholders in the ecosystem.
A Call to Action
As the nation gears up for World Soil Day, the message is clear: soil conservation is a collective responsibility. By prioritising soil health, Uganda can ensure food security, improve agricultural productivity, and protect the environment for future generations.
With the launch of the Uganda Soil Institute, the country is taking a significant step toward addressing soil degradation and unlocking the full potential of its agricultural sector.