Experts Urge Action on Soil Degradation as NARO Marks World Soils Day
Description
Experts Urge Action
on Soil Degradation as NARO Marks World Soils Day
Kampala, Uganda —
December 5, 2024
Researchers, academics, and ecosystem stakeholders gathered at Hotel Africana
in Kampala to commemorate World Soils Day, calling for practical and inclusive
solutions to address soil degradation. The event, themed “Optimizing Soil
Potential for Building Resilience: Celebrating World Soils Day,”
spotlighted the critical role of soil health in building resilient ecosystems
and livelihoods.
In her keynote address, Dr. Jolly Tukahirwa emphasized the
importance of community-driven approaches, youth engagement, and practical
demonstrations as sustainable solutions to combat soil degradation.
“Communities must lead the charge to restore degraded soils. Engaging youth and
using practical demonstrations will ensure lasting impact,” she stated.
The event also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate
climate-smart practices into agricultural systems. The Climate Change Team at
the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL)—represented by Dr.
Everline Komutunga (Team
leader: Ph.D, MSc, BSc in Agro-meteorology), Choice Agaba
(Climate scientist: MSc. in Environment and Natural Resources), Napoleon Katambira (software developer: Bsc),
and Elizabeth Ahumuza (Statistician:
BSc in Statistics)—is
actively participating in the Uganda Climate Smart Transformation Project. This
initiative spans 69 districts, promoting sustainable agricultural practices to
mitigate the effects of climate change and enhance resilience among farmers.
GORILLA Conference
Preparations
The World Soils Day celebration served as a precursor to the
upcoming International Conference on Geographical Science for Resilient
Communities, Ecosystems, and Livelihoods (GORILLA), organized under the
Global Environmental Change initiative.
Key organizers and contributors to the GORILLA conference
include:
- IGU Commissions: The IGU
Commission of Biogeography and Biodiversity and the IGU Commission on
African Studies.
- Uganda Geographical Association:
Actively involved in the conference planning.
- IALE African Chapter: A core
participating organization.
- Local Organizing Committee:
Includes members such as Yazidhi Bamutaze from Makerere University and
Jerome Ssebaduka from the National Environment Management Authority
(NEMA).
- International Scientific Committee:
Features distinguished experts like Mike Meadows from the University of
Cape Town and Inocent Moyo from the University of Zululand.
- Co-Organizers: Includes
institutions such as Muni University.
Renewed Commitment
to Soil Health
The World Soils Day event concluded with renewed calls to
prioritize soil health in national policies, enhance collaboration across
sectors, and invest in sustainable soil conservation practices. Stakeholders
stressed the need to integrate traditional knowledge with scientific
innovations to protect soil resources and build resilience in ecosystems and communities.
The Climate Change Team at NARL reaffirmed its commitment to
advancing climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing its importance in addressing
soil degradation and ensuring sustainable development. As preparations for the
GORILLA conference gain momentum, organizers aim to foster interdisciplinary
solutions to the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation,
climate change, and sustainable livelihoods.
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