World Soil Day marked amid warning on soil fertility loss

DODOMA: TANZANIA joined the rest of the world on Wednesday in marking World Soil Day amid growing concern that nearly 30 per cent of global soil fertility has been lost over the past two decades, a trend experts warn poses a serious threat to food security, climate resilience and sustainable development.

The national commemoration, held at the Dr John Samwel Malecela Nane Nane Exhibition Grounds in Nzuguni, Dodoma, brought together agricultural experts, researchers, policymakers and development partners, who cited unsustainable land use, deforestation, uncontrolled grazing and unscientific farming practices as major drivers of soil degradation.

Other key factors highlighted included haphazard construction, unregulated mining activities and poor waste management, which continue to accelerate soil erosion, nutrient loss and environmental pollution.

The experts called for stronger enforcement of land-use regulations and increased investment in soil restoration initiatives.

Speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Gerald Mweli, Deputy Permanent Secretary responsible for crop development and food security, Dr Stephen Nindi, said soil forms the foundation of economic activity, social wellbeing and ecological survival, stressing the urgent need for its protection.

“Soil is not just a resource for farmers; it sustains the entire economy and supports biodiversity, water systems and climate regulation. When soil is degraded, the consequences cut across food production, public health and national development,” said Dr Nindi.

He noted that this year’s theme, “Soil Health for Urban Wellbeing,” reflects the direct relationship between the condition of soil and the growth of human settlements, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas.

“Cities cannot thrive without food and food cannot be produced without healthy soil. Yet some of our daily activities continue to degrade soil and accelerate climate change,” he warned.

Dr Nindi outlined several initiatives being implemented by the government to strengthen soil sustainability, including nationwide soil health assessments, the allocation of a dedicated budget for soil management and the distribution of soil testing equipment to local government authorities to enable farmers to check soil conditions before planting.

He added that agricultural extension officers are also being trained to effectively use the equipment and to guide farmers on proper fertiliser use, crop selection and conservation agriculture practices.

“These efforts aim to ensure that farmers apply the right inputs in the right quantities, reduce production costs and safeguard soil fertility for future generations,” he said.

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Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Director General, Dr Thomas Bwana, said the institution conducts comprehensive soil testing through its laboratories to assess key nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and carbon, which are essential for crop growth.

He added that TARI also conducts soil acidity tests to guide crop selection and fertiliser recommendations based on specific soil types, noting that misuse of fertilisers remains a major contributor to declining soil quality in many farming areas.

“Through research and farmer education, we are promoting sustainable soil management practices, including crop rotation, organic fertilisers, minimum tillage and climatesmart agriculture,” said Dr Bwana.

The event was attended by several senior government officials and experts, including Prof Peter Msofe, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office responsible for environmental matters and Dr Asimwe Rwiguza, who represented the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Livestock and Fisheries.

Participants also discussed the growing impact of climate change on soil health, citing prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall and flooding as emerging threats that are intensifying land degradation, particularly in semi-arid regions.

World Soil Day is observed annually on December 5 to raise awareness on the importance of healthy soil and to promote sustainable soil management.

According to the SDG Knowledge Hub, the day advocates for soil biodiversity conservation, reduced erosion, improved water filtration, resilient food systems and increased carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change.

The observance was first proposed in 2002 by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), which selected December 5 in honour of the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, a global champion of soil conservation.

The proposal was later endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in 2013 and in the same year, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated December 5 as World Soil Day.

As Tanzania grapples with the effects of climate change and rapid land-use transformation, stakeholders at the Dodoma event stressed that protecting soil health must remain a national priority if the country is to safeguard food security, environmental sustainability and long-term economic growth.