Scientists to Create First-Ever Detailed Digital Map of Sub-Saharan Africa’s Depleted Soils

*NOTE: Pre-registration and photo ID are required to attend the briefing. To register, please contact Jeff Haskins by Monday, January 12, 2009 at jhaskins@burnesscommunications.com.

Responding to sub-Saharan Africa’s soil fertility crisis, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) will announce on Tuesday, 13 January the launch of an ambitious new effort to produce the first-ever, detailed digital soil map for all of sub-Saharan Africa.

Entitled the African Soil Information Service, or AfSIS, the initiative will allow soil and information technology experts to combine the latest soil science and technology with remote satellite imagery to produce the on-line map. Analyzing thousands of soil samples from almost every region of the continent, the project will provide, for the first time ever, detailed, site-specific information aimed at helping African policymakers, extension officers, and farmers design efficient and sustainable solutions for rapidly improving African soils. It is estimated that Africa loses the equivalent of over $4 billion worth of soil nutrients each year, severely limiting the continent’s ability to feed itself.

WHO: Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030

Wilson Songa, Agriculture Secretary, Kenya

Nteranya Sanginga, Director, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute of CIAT (TSBF-CIAT)

Pedro Sanchez, Director of Tropical Agriculture at Columbia University’s Earth Institute

Namanga Ngongi, President, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)

WHEN: Tuesday, 13 January, 11:00 am-12:00 pm

WHERE: World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi

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About the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT): CIAT is a not-for-profit organization that conducts socially and environmentally progressive research aimed at reducing hunger and poverty and preserving natural resources in developing countries. CIAT is one of the 15 centers funded mainly by the 58 countries, private foundations, and international organizations that make up the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).