The Nigeria Institute of Soil Science (NISS) has rolled out a five year strategic action plan to tackle the challenges of soil degradation and food security in the country.
NISS registrar Victor Chude made this known in Abuja, saying that the implementation of the action plan is geared toward soil protection, soil management, which will ultimately lead to food security in the country.
According to Chude, the strategic plan , slated to run between June 2020 and 2025, has been categorized into five thematic areas or “pillars” for effective and efficient coordination and monitoring.
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He enumerated the five pillars, which closely align with those of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations:
“Promote sustainable management of soil resources for soil protection, conservation and sustainable productivity.
“Encourage investment, technical cooperation, policy, education, awareness and extension in soil.
“Promote targeted soil research and development focusing on identified gaps, priorities, and synergies with related productive, environmental, and social development actions by assessing and prioritizing soil related research gaps.
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“Enhance the quantity and quality of soil data and information: data collection (generation), analysis, validation, reporting, monitoring and integration with other disciplines.
“Harmonization of methods, measurements and indicators for the sustainable management and protection of soil resources”
Soil degradation results from land use or a combination of processes arising from human activities, habitation patterns and erosion by wind and water. This degradation leads to deterioration in the physical, chemical, biological and economic properties of the soil.
The (NISS) is the foremost regulatory institute for soil science and agricultural practice in Nigeria and is charged with the responsibility of regulating the field of soil science in the country.
