From soil data to decisions: IITA scientists lead the conversation at SSSN’s golden jubilee
From digital soil mapping and nutrient management to decision-support tools for farmers and policymakers, the focus of soil science is increasingly shifting from generating information to applying it.
- Soil health
- data
- smallholders
- Policy and decision-making
Cover Image: Participants contribute to discussions during the first SSSN Masterclass, “From Soil Data to Decision.”
From digital soil mapping and nutrient management to decision-support tools for farmers and policymakers, the focus of soil science is increasingly shifting from generating information to applying it. At the 50th Annual Conference of the Soil Science Society of Nigeria (SSSN), IITA co-led that conversation. Through a keynote paper, a masterclass, and technical presentations—showcasing new research focusing on turning soil information into practical decisions.
With one message: soil data matters only when it informs decisions, IITA scientists highlighted how turning soil data into actionable insights can drive more productive, resilient, and sustainable agricultural systems at the Golden Jubilee conference.
The conference, themed “Innovations in soil science for climate resilience, nutritional security and national development,” brought together researchers, policymakers, development partners and private sector actors. It was declared open by the Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi. SSSN President, Prof. Jibrin M. Jibrin, who also serves as an IITA consultant under the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, welcomed delegates, and the keynote address was delivered by Dr Abdulhamid Umar, National Project Coordinator of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
From continental evidence to national action
Dr Samuel Mesele, IITA Soil Scientist, delivered one of the conference's two lead papers, titled “Reading Africa's Soils, Reimagining Nigeria's Future: From Continental Evidence to National Action.” He traced the evolution of soil information systems across Africa and the case for coordinated action against soil degradation. Solutions to soil degradation are well established, he noted, yet adoption of sustainable soil management practices remains low, as the State of the World's Soil Resources 2026 report shows.
Drawing on the continental soil survey conducted under the Soils4Africa project, Dr Mesele showed how harmonized, accessible and interoperable soil data can support evidence-based decisions. He also highlighted the roles of the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, and the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO), in translating soil information into practical recommendations for farmers and other end users. “Understanding Africa's soils gives us the evidence to guide action,” he concluded. “Reimagining Nigeria's future means translating that evidence into coordinated, practical and sustainable interventions.”