By Rashidat Oladele
In a bid to boost farming and agriculture nationwide, the Federal Government and key stakeholders are being urged to spearhead the development of comprehensive national soil information systems.
This recommendation comes from Professor Gabriel Akinboye Oluwatosin, a distinguished expert in Soil Survey and Land Evaluation, during his 377th inaugural lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The lecture, titled “Soil in Food and National Security: Matter Arising,” highlighted the critical role of soil in ensuring food production and preventing food shortages.
Professor Gabriel emphasized the pressing issues of soil degradation and a contemporary soil crisis on a global scale.
He stressed the necessity of establishing a national soil information system to facilitate effective communication between scientists and land users, a crucial step in addressing the challenges facing agriculture.
During the lecture, Gabriel underscored the interconnection between food and national security, pointing out the diminishing availability of arable and grazing lands in Nigeria.
He cautioned against further degradation and advocated for responsible land use based on soil capability.
Recognizing the importance of regenerative agriculture in reclaiming lost soil quality, he emphasized the need to preserve the soil’s capacity and working conditions.
The professor proposed specific measures for the development of a comprehensive national soil information system, including the creation and publication of digital soil maps with detailed information.
These maps, he argued, are essential for effective planning and policymaking in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Among the recommendations presented were the establishment of a national soil capabilities system and the adoption of a resolution supporting soil accounting at various levels, from the farm to the state and regional levels.
Additionally, Gabriel called for soil management practices at local, spatial, and temporal scales, incorporating elevation strategies and indicators to assess the continuum of soil condition through a minimum data set.
Concluding his lecture, the professor proposed the preparation of a statement outlining Nigeria’s natural capital to articulate the value of the nation’s soil assets.
This comprehensive approach, he believes, will contribute significantly to promoting sustainable agriculture and securing the nation’s food production capabilities.
