Sierra Leone Launches Landmark Digital Soil Mapping Initiative
The Government of Sierra Leone has officially launched a groundbreaking technical assistance programme aimed at enhancing digital soil mapping and providing site-specific fertiliser recommendations. This initiative represents a significant shift towards precision soil management within the country's agricultural sector, marking a pivotal moment for sustainable farming practices.
Programme Launch and Funding
Formally introduced during a three-day inception workshop held in Freetown, the programme is financed through the World Bank-supported Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP). Implementation will be carried out by the Regional Hub for Fertiliser and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel. This effort is designed to transition Sierra Leone from generalised fertiliser application to a data-driven, site-specific nutrient management approach, facilitated by a national Digital Soil Information System.
Alignment with National Goals
The initiative directly supports the government's FeedSalone agenda, which prioritises increasing domestic food production and reducing reliance on imports. By focusing on soil health, the programme addresses critical challenges in agricultural productivity and food security, essential for the nation's economic growth.
Key Statements from Officials
During the workshop opening, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasised the programme's importance. "Sierra Leone depends heavily on agriculture for food security and economic growth, but our soils have not delivered the results we need," Kpaka stated. He highlighted that strengthening the Soil Information System will provide essential data for better fertiliser and soil management decisions, ultimately supporting farmers, researchers, and investors with accurate soil profiles and tailored recommendations.
Dr. Kepifri Lakoh, Programme Manager for the FSRP in Sierra Leone, underscored the focus on long-term technical sustainability. "We are building national capacity, not just installing equipment," Lakoh explained. The project includes training for PhD students, support for adaptive research, and certification of laboratory technicians to ensure local management of these systems over time.
Implementation and Technical Roadmap
The project is being executed by a consortium of international and national institutions, including:
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
- International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC)
- African Plant Nutrition Institute
- University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P)
- OCP Africa
- International Soil Reference and Information Centre (ISRIC)
These organisations are collaborating with Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) and Njala University. Lionel Axel Kadja, Director of the Regional Hub, confirmed that the workshop validated the technical roadmap for implementation, which outlines a clear path for digital soil mapping and site-specific recommendations for key crops like rice, maize, and cassava.
Field Activities and Expected Outcomes
Field teams will collect and analyse soil samples from farms across Sierra Leone to update national soil maps and generate farm-level data. This information will be integrated into the national Soil Information System, enabling more precise fertiliser recommendations, improving fertiliser efficiency, and supporting the FeedSalone drive to boost domestic food production. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen long-term technical capacity at SLARI and Njala University.
Dr. Abdul R. Conteh, Acting Director-General of SLARI, noted that updating national soil maps and conducting nutrient omission trials will provide crucial data to support extension services and enhance fertiliser recommendations, further advancing agricultural innovation in the region.
