Soil mapping in Kenya is helping agricultural producers better understand their land and improve crop yields despite intensifying climate shocks.

The SoilFER Programme and Digital Mapping

The Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood systems programme supports farmers in gathering reliable soil information to guide critical farming choices, such as fertilizer selection and application rates. To date, over 3,600 soil samples have been gathered and mapped across 45 counties, feeding into a digital soil map that delivers location-specific data. Funded by the United States Department of State and Japan, SoilFER was launched in Kabete through a collaboration between the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization. With support from the FAO, KALRO has upgraded three laboratories with advanced technology to examine soil samples gathered nationwide. These collected samples are georeferenced, and the analytical results are sent directly to the mobile phones of farmers.

Training Soil Doctors and Engaging Youth

Selected participants undergo instruction to identify and resolve soil degradation, earning the designation of soil doctor before educating their local peers. Agness Munialo, a participant from Kakamega county in western Kenya, noted that understanding soil fertility transformed her agricultural perspective, shifting her away from using excessive chemicals and fertilizers. Barrack Okoba, the national coordinator for FAO-Kenya, emphasized that accessible information systems are vital for sustainable farm management and building agricultural resilience. Furthermore, the project draws interest from young people, including KALRO intern Jackline Kioko, who recognized how soil testing can guide management on her family farm. Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, urged citizens to prioritize soil testing before deciding what crops to plant or which fertilizers to apply. The launch event additionally introduced the Kenya Soil Partnership, the Kenya Soil Laboratory Network, and the national rollout of the Global Soil Doctors Programme. Globally, the SoilFER initiative operates in six additional nations: Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mozambique, Tunisia, and Zambia.

Source: Cosmo News Desk