FAO and the Land Development Department: a collaborative strategy on sustainable soil management for Southeast Asia

FAO and LDD have a longstanding history of collaboration. From the endorsement of World Soil Day and the International Year of Soils to the establishment of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award, the Government of Thailand and its LDD have consistently been key stakeholders and supporters. In 1995, the Government of Thailand initiated the Volunteer Soil Doctors programme. Volunteer Soil Doctors are champion farmers that work in partnership with LDD officers to help farmers in their community to improve SSM. The programme eventually formed the basis for the development of the GSDP, which was launched in 2019.

Through this mission, the GSP has identified LDD as a key partner in promoting the implementation of the GSDP in Southeast Asia and providing backstopping support to GSDP promoters in the region when needed. This collaboration will help break down cultural barriers, reduce implementation costs, mobilize local financial resources and develop subregional-specific training materials.

One of the key outcomes of the mission was the development of a tailored training module, finely tuned to the intricacies of paddy soil management and rice production in Southeast Asia, to ensure comprehensive coverage of essential soil management practices. To this end, a two-day workshop was held during the mission, with 10 LDD trainers, 1 GSP trainer, 12 local stakeholders involved in LDD activities, and 18 volunteer soil doctors to adapt the GSDP training modules to the local context of the region. Emphasis was placed on hands-on farmer training and the sharing of practical learning experiences to ensure the continued adoption of sustainable soil management practices.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, ongoing communication and collaboration between stakeholders will drive the implementation of potential activities involving LDD as trainers in Southeast Asia. The objective is to maximize collaboration opportunities and ensure effective, sustainable soil management implementation for the benefit of farmers and the environment.

In essence, the mission to Thailand marks a significant step towards promoting soil health and sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia. By leveraging the expertise and resources of key stakeholders, including LDD and FAORAP, the collaborative efforts have identified the objective of building a resilient agricultural future while addressing soil health challenges in the region. Together, we are sowing the seeds for a greener, more prosperous tomorrow, leaving no one behind.