The Nigeria country representative, Food and Agriculture Organisation, (FAO), Dr. Suffyan Koroma, has warned that removal of top soil by water or wind erosion will hinder the achievement of food security in Nigeria.
While welcoming participants at the world Soil day celebration in Abuja, Koroma, said studies have revealed that soil removed by either water or wind erosion is 1.3 to 5 times richer in organic matter than the soil left behind.
According to him, every five seconds, the equivalent of a soccer pitch is eroded globally, affecting soil fertility as well as global food security and safety, saying as world population expands, and the need for enhanced awareness to tackle the concern is most desired.
“Nigeria has the highest rate of deforestation of primary forest in Africa with annual losses estimated at 11.1% between 2000 and 2008. Desertification in the northern part of Nigeria is advancing consistently at the rate of 0.6 kilometer per annum with as much as 351,000sq km regarded as potential desertification area.
“Today’s celebration reminds us of the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and a vital contributor to human well-being.
“This year’s theme “Stop Soil Erosion. Save our Future” aims to remind us of the non-renewability of the soil and the need to preserve it for a sustainable future, as its loss or degradation is not recoverable within a lifespan.
“In Nigeria, 70% of land is used for agricultural activities. Land serves as source of water and foster agro-forestry as well as non agro-forestry exploration. However, low productivity due to degradation, deforestation, erosion, inappropriate agricultural practices, overgrazing, and weak institutions is experienced,” he said.
He assured thatFAO will raise awareness on the importance of sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being and that by encouraging people to engage in activities to improve the soil and mobilizing political will as well as resources to raise soil profiles.
“Ability of households to comfortably feed their children with diverse diets begins with being food secure and to achieve this, we must strive to control land degradation, even as the population of Nigeria grow and the need to conserve fertile lands mount. Combating erosion should be our starting point. To achieve this require thorough evaluation of the various strategies for soil fertility improvement and soil conservation techniques in the country.
“To reduce erosion rates on farmlands, reliable and proven soil conservation technologies must be adopted and these include ridge planting, no-till cultivation, crop rotation, mulches, living mulches, agro-forestry, terracing, contour planting, cover cropping and installation of windbreaks,” he said.
He, therefore, implored all organisations to work towards including soil erosion management and control in future project plans with specific budget lines, adding that stakeholders must work to ensure that people have safe and nutritious food without endangering essential ecosystems services.
“May I use this opportunity to assure Nigerians of the commitment to provide the technical assistance toward controlling soil erosion and environmental degradation in the country. We are committed to working with the government and private organisations to stop land degradation, promote soil conservation, improve soil fertility and productivity, and promote food security.
“FAO and the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science have a long-standing relationship and shared commitment to protect Nigeria’s soil, increase agricultural production and ensure a secure future for the coming generation.
“Remember this today, each time you step on soil, it took 200 to 400 years to form the ones under your feet. So do all you can to save some good ones for the next generation. Their survival depends on it,” he said.
