The SoilFER project focuses on generating actionable soil information, improving data-driven decision-making, and empowering farmers in regions most affected by soil degradation. By enhancing soil information systems and providing tailored solutions for sustainable soil management and crop adaptation, SoilFER is helping to address critical issues such as food security, soil health and sustainable agricultural productivity.

A gathering of high-level stakeholders

The opening day set the tone for the week-long discussions, with key speeches delivered by FAO’s Deputy Director-General, Ms. Beth Bechdol, Mr. Mitsuaki Shindo, Minister Counsellor and Deputy Permanent Representative from the Japanese Permanent Mission to FAO, and Mr. Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division. Speakers underscored the significance of the SoilFER programme in transforming agricultural practices by providing reliable soil data that can guide decision-making at all levels.

Ms. Bechdol highlighted how essential soil health is to food security, noting that SoilFER promotes the efficient use of fertilizers, sustainable farming practices, selection of suitable crops, improving soil health, increasing agricultural production, and enhancing resilience of agrifood systems. Besides, the project strengthens capacities and empowers stakeholders by providing ownership and control over data and tools to sustainably equip both governmental institutions and farmers.

Advancing soil data and capacity building

The first day of the meeting featured an insightful presentation from Mr. Mahmoud Abdelfattah, the SoilFER Project Manager, who detailed the progress made in key SoilFER activities. From selecting soil laboratories in countries to developing mobile data collection tools, the project is laying a solid foundation for improved soil management practices. Abdelfattah also introduced the SoilFER Crop Suitability Platform, which promises to be a game-changer in making agricultural decision-making more precise and informed.

Scaling up for greater impact

The second day shifted focus to the achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from SoilFER’s work in different countries. One standout was the country-specific experiences shared by Mr. Arnold Sylvester Amppiah from FAO Ghana. He emphasized the need for georeferenced soil data to maximize the usefulness of research and improve agricultural practices. The meeting also explored how capacity-building efforts are essential to ensuring the sustainability of SoilFER's impact, with country representatives detailing their needs for more robust training and technical support.

National Soil Partnerships and future directions

The final days of the meeting looked into practical solutions for sustaining the SoilFER initiative, such as the creation of National Soil Partnerships (NSPs). Ms. Vinisa Saynes Santillán outlined the ongoing establishment of these partnerships in several countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, and Zambia, which will serve as local hubs for soil management practices. By establishing NSPs, the project aims to ensure that soil health is continuously prioritized at the national level, even after SoilFER's initial implementation phase ends.

Also featured were the activities of the Global Soil Doctors Programme, which is being rolled out in countries like Honduras and Guatemala. This initiative aims to train local experts who can support farmers in managing soil health more effectively and ensure that the good practices and lessons learned from SoilFER are implemented over time.

Looking ahead: SoilFER’s roadmap to 2027

As the meeting drew to a close, participants agreed on a roadmap for the next steps of SoilFER. Priorities for 2025-2027 were outlined, with a clear focus on scaling up activities, improving data integration, and ensuring that capacity-building efforts are tailored to the needs of local farmers and policymakers.

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