Moving to strengthen sustainable agriculture and food security, the Government of Togo has launched a comprehensive initiative to advance its National Soil Information System (NSIS). The project aims to build a modern, data-driven platform that will provide accurate, up-to-date, and accessible information on the country’s soil health and characteristics.
The initiative is being implemented with the technical support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), with funding from the European Union under the Capacity Building Programme for Agricultural Innovation in Africa (PIAFA).
According to stakeholders, the enhanced NSIS will allow policymakers, farmers, researchers, and investors to make informed decisions on land use, crop selection, fertilization, and environmental protection — contributing significantly to climate resilience and productivity.
“The soil is the foundation of our food systems. If we manage it well, we secure our future,” said FAO Representative in Togo, Dr. Daouda Mama. “By developing this information system, Togo is taking an essential step toward evidence-based agricultural development.”
Key components of the initiative include the digital mapping of soils, capacity building of national experts in soil analysis, and the establishment of data-sharing mechanisms among institutions. The platform will also align with Africa’s broader soil health goals under the Africa Soil Information Service (AfSIS) and support implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Togolese authorities say the NSIS will serve as a cornerstone for programs aiming to reverse soil degradation, combat food insecurity, and promote sustainable land management practices.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the new system will not only enhance agricultural yields but also reduce environmental harm and boost the resilience of smallholder farmers, particularly in the face of climate change.
The project stands as a model of multilateral cooperation, with FAO pledging continued support in strengthening Togo’s capacity for soil governance, monitoring, and data management.
As global concerns about land degradation and food insecurity grow, Togo’s bold investment in soil intelligence highlights the critical role of natural resource data in achieving long-term agricultural sustainability and national development.
