A REPORT ON WORLD SOIL DAY 2024
- Post by: bankole
- December 20, 2024
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Introduction
World Soil Day is an annual global observance held on December 5th to raise awareness about the critical importance of healthy soils and sustainable soil management. Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the day aims to highlight the essential role of soils in supporting life on Earth, including food production, clean water, climate regulation, and biodiversity.
World Soil Day 2024 was celebrated under the theme “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage,” emphasizing the critical role of soil health in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity preservation, and combating climate change. The event aimed to raise awareness among farmers and stakeholders about the importance of soil management and practical approaches to ensure its long-term sustainability.
Activities Conducted
Legitimization Process:
The legitimization visit took place on 3rd December 2024 two days before the campaign. A five (5) person team including the SDG Champion visited the community leader that is the Olomu of Omu-aran intimating him of our activities for the World Soil Day celebration. This step was crucial in gaining support and endorsement. By engaging with the community leader, we were able to garner his commitment to the cause and secure their cooperation from the farmers. He even suggested that his farm be used for the activities that will be carried out that day.
Farm Visit:
Farmers were taken to the Oba’s farm where soil health management practices were demonstrated. Experts provided knowledge on soil testing, monitoring soil nutrients, and adopting sustainable soil management techniques such as crop rotation, organic fertilization, and erosion prevention.
Interactive Session:
- Farmers actively participated in a knowledge-sharing session where they shared their experiences, practices, and challenges in managing soil health.
- Experts answered their queries, addressing issues such as soil degradation, irrigation management, and sustainable use of fertilizers.
- Practical solutions were offered, including the use of soil-testing kits, planting cover crops, and adopting agroforestry techniques.
Key Outcomes
Increased Awareness: Farmers gained a deeper understanding of soil care and its importance in boosting crop yield and combating land degradation.
Knowledge Exchange: Farmers shared valuable insights from their local practices, enriching the session with real-world perspectives.
Commitments: Participants expressed their willingness to adopt soil monitoring tools and sustainable practices in their farming.
Conclusion
The event was a success, fostering collaboration between farmers and experts. It highlighted the need for collective efforts to measure, monitor, and manage soils for a sustainable future. Going forward, similar initiatives will be critical in ensuring progress toward achieving the targets of SDG 15: Life on Land.
