- Tunis The availability of reliable soil data constitutes a fundamental technical basis for informing agricultural policies and supporting production systems. In this regard, strengthening the analytical capacities of national laboratories is part of institutional priorities related to the sustainable management of natural resources.

In this context, technical training on wet chemistry applied to soil analysis is being held at the Central Soil Analysis Laboratory in Tunis. Organized by FAO in partnership with the General Directorate of Land Planning and Agricultural Land Conservation (DGACTA), this activity is implemented under the “SoilFER” programme, funded by Japan. It aims to strengthen national capacities for the production of reliable data to support sustainable soil management and is based on technical frameworks promoting harmonization and quality of soil analyses.

The project “Improving integrated soil and crop management for sustainable food systems in Africa,” implemented under the SoilFER programme (“Soil mapping for resilient agrifood systems in Africa and Central America”), supports the strengthening of national technical capacities. Nora Berrahmouni, Deputy Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, stated that “more than 3 000 soil samples have been collected in close collaboration with national partners. Strengthening laboratory analytical capacities is a key element in improving the quality of diagnostics and supporting evidence-based decision-making.”

This training aims to enhance the analytical skills in wet chemistry of soil laboratory personnel, both at the central laboratory and in regional facilities. It focuses on the application of harmonized analytical protocols, validation of methods under laboratory conditions, and adherence to standard operating procedures.

This initiative contributes to improving the availability, quality, and comparability of soil data, which are essential for developing reliable diagnostics and supporting decision-making by national authorities and stakeholders in the agricultural sector. It also forms part of a broader effort to align with international standards in analytical quality and traceability of results.

For her part, Ms. Rafla Attia, Director of Soil Resources at DGACTA, highlighted that the progress achieved since the start of the project reflects the commitment of national institutions and the coordination among the various stakeholders involved.

This session constitutes the first component of a training cycle comprising four sessions in wet chemistry, as well as an additional training in dry chemistry (spectroscopy). It adopts a practical approach aimed at consolidating good laboratory practices, strengthening quality assurance systems, and promoting compliance with safety standards.

The training activities planned under the programme will continue in line with the established schedule, with the objective of progressively strengthening the technical capacities of partner laboratories. These efforts are expected to contribute to improved harmonization of analytical practices at the national level and to the consolidation of soil information systems, in support of agricultural policies and the sustainable management of natural resources.