The Gambia celebrated World Soil Day (WSD) at Badibou Kerewan in the North Bank Region in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture’s Soil & Water Management Services Unit and with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (NBR).
This year’s anniversary was held under the theme, “Soils, where food begins” as its focus.
WSD is observed every year on December 5. It promotes sustainable soil management and seeks to draw attention to the value of good soil.
The Executive Director of Soil Solution – The Gambia, Ebrima Jarra, stated that WSD seeks to address major issues connected to soil fertility, soil health, and nutrient imbalance in order to increase awareness of the significance of preserving healthy ecosystems and human well-being.
“WSD celebration in The Gambia is a unique platform that celebrates soils and engage citizens to improve soil health in The Gambia,” he said.
He emphasized that soils are crucial for life on Earth, but he was quick to point out that they are under threat from a variety of degradation processes. He specifically mentioned that soil erosion and soil nutrient imbalance have been identified as two of the top ten threats to soils in NBR that have a negative impact on the region’s environment, society, and economy.
In order to preserve food security in the nation, he urged all stakeholders to join his organization in conserving the soils, noting that 95 percent of human consumables originate either directly or indirectly from the soils.
The Director of Soil and Water Management Services within the Ministry of Agriculture, Abdou Rahman Jobe, defined soil as a crucial resource that provides significant amounts of the world’s food supply.
Comments are closed.