By Mercy Kahenda

Kenya: The first atlas of Africa that collects vital information on African soils has been launched.

The Soil Atlas of Africa was launched Tuesday in Nakuru by the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture Sicily Kariuki during the Soil Science Society of East Africa and the African Soil Science Society conference held in Nakuru.

The aim of the soil atlas is to raise awareness on the significance of soil as a natural resource to farmers, politicians, agricultural stakeholders and the importance of the resource and how it affects livelihoods.

“Healthy and fertile soils are the cornerstones of food security, key environmental services, social cohesion and the economies of most African countries. Unfortunately, soil in Africa tends to reach public awareness only when it fails to feed the people living from it,” states the atlas.

According to the atlas, Africa is the only continent in the world where the annual per capita food production is lower than its estimated population growth because of land degradation and soil fertility decline over time.

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The atlas further explains the origin and functions of soil, describes the different types of soil and their relevance to both local and global issues linked to soil.

Diagrams, illustration tables and maps have been used in the atlas to help readers understand the information and research work. Principal threats to soil and the steps being taken to protect soil resources have also been listed and discussed.

Management practices

It is hoped that the atlas will help to create strategies and structures for better land and water management practices which will lead to increased food production that will ensure food security and environmental protection.

The atlas also compiles the contributions of dozens of soil experts from Africa and Europe and has helpful information for policy makers and researchers.

It will be the basis for a Pan-African assessment on the state of soil resources.

According to the atlas, 98 per cent of all calories consumed by human beings in Africa originate from soil resources. Tropical rainforest soils are also considered not naturally fertile.

The book says over half of Africa’s land surface is characterised by sandy, shallow stony and young soils.