In Eastern Africa, agriculture is one of the most important sectors. Soil fertility in this region is declining at an alarming rate due to unsustainable practices that lead to the degradation of soil properties. Current soil fertility management practices used by smallholders seem inadequate to counter the outflow of nutrients. As the population is increasing, this poses a great challenge for policy makers to address the declining soil fertility trend in the region. Many factors lead to the low adoption of fertilizer use in the region. One of these factors is the inadequacy of fertilizer recommendations. Current fertilizer recommendations need to be revised taking into account the status of soil fertility, cropping systems, plant nutrients requirements and the economic aspects of fertilizer inputs.

The objective of the project is to develop capacities on Sustainable Soil Management (SSM) in Uganda through South-South cooperation, within the framework of the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) and the International Code of Conduct for Sustainable Use and Management of Fertilizers (the Fertilizer Code). A particular focus will be given to balanced fertilization. The implementation of this project will benefit the Rwandan population by improving soil health, which will directly contribute to the achievement of food security within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AGENDA & PRESENTATIONS

9:00 - 9:20 | Opening remarks

• Mr. Antonio Querido, Uganda FAO Representative
• Mr. Jinbiao Wang, Senior Programme Officer , South South and Triangular Cooperation (PST), FAO
• Mr. Lwakuba Alex, Commissioner of Crop P roduction Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries , the Republic of Uganda (MAAIF)
• Ms. Jiqing Jiang, Counselor, Economic and Commercial Office, Embassy of the People's  Republic of China in the Republic of Uganda

9:20 - 9:50 | Launch of the project

• Challenges and opportunities on Soil Fertility Management in Africa, Prof. Victor Chude, Chair of the African Soil Partnership
• Challenges and Opportunities on Soil Fertility Management in Uganda, Mr. Lwakuba Alex, Commissioner, MAAIF, the Republic of Uganda
• Implementation Plan of SSCAF Soil Project in Uganda, Mr. Yuxin Tong, Soil Fertility Coordinator, NSL, FAO

9:50 – 10:10 | Panel session

• Mr. Ronald Vargas, Secretary, Global Soil Partnership, NSL, FAO
• Mr. Okiror John, MAAIF, Uganda
• Prof. Tenywa J.S, Makerere University, Uganda
• Mr. Ugen Michael, Director, National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSRRI), Uganda

10:10 - 10:30 | Discussion

• 10:30 - 10:40 | Conclusion, Mr. Antonio Querido, Uganda FAO Representative

Moderator: Mr. Martin Ameu, Programme Associate, FAO Uganda

LINK TO THE AGENDA | MEETING RECORDINGS | REPORT (soon available)