Kenya launches soil mapping project to support farmers and boost yields

A new agricultural initiative in Kenya is helping local farmers improve crop yields by building a reliable digital soil map across the country, UN News reported. The Soil Mapping for Resilient Agrifood systems initiative assists farmers in gathering detailed soil data to make informed choices about fertilizer selection and usage. [1]

UN News reported that project workers have collected and mapped over 3,600 soil samples across 45 counties. The resulting digital soil map provides localized information directly to agricultural workers. [1]

Select farmers are receiving direct training to diagnose and treat soil degradation, UN News reported. These trained individuals earn the title of soil doctor and go on to teach practical soil management techniques to fellow farmers in their local communities. [1]

The project operates through a partnership involving the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, UN News reported. Kenya spans 580,367 square kilometers of land and has an estimated population of 58 million people. [1][4]