April 2015: The Global Soil Partnership (GSP) has made available a number of training materials as well as awareness raising resources as part of the International Year of Soils (IYS) 2015. They include: ‘Symphony of the Soil,’ a film exploring traditional knowledge as well as cutting-edge science; an infographic depicting important soil functions; and training materials on digital soil mapping used in capacity building workshops for African soil scientists.

Funded by the European Commission, the digital soil mapping workshops are part of a capacity development programme to improve the availability of updated, quantitative and reliable soil data and information for African decision makers in relation to sustainable soil management, agricultural productivity and food security. The training for East and Southern African countries took place from 23-27 February in Nairobi, Kenya, followed by a workshop in in Accra, Ghana, from 16-27 March 2015, for West and Central African countries.

The African Soil Partnership will convene a follow-up regional workshop from 20-22 May in Accra, Ghana, to agree on soil priorities and develop a regional implementation plan. [African Countries Gain Expertise in Digital Soil Mapping] [Symphony of the Soil] [GSP Soil Infographic] [International Year of Soils Website]