Building on the success of its first phase in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso and Malawi, the S4N project will now be implemented in Burkina Faso, Colombia and Mexico, focusing on strengthening farmers ’capacities through the Global Soil Doctors Programme led by FAO with funding from the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) the initiative aims to support inclusive and resilient agricultural systems that contribute to global food security.

Opening the meeting, Ms. Nora Berrahmouni, Deputy Director of the FAO Land and Water Division, reaffirmed the importance of healthy soils, with an emphasis on the project’s collaborative spirit in tackling soil degradation, food insecurity, and malnutrition. She highlighted that healthy soils are the cornerstone of nutritious food and sustainable livelihoods.

Ms. Lisa Jäckering, Deputy Head of the Right to Food Division, BMEL stressed the vital link between soil health and human well-being, underlining the need to empower farmers through capacity-development initiatives. Ms. Thorunn Wolfram Petursdottir, Secretary of the FAO Global Soil Partnership, commended the project as a shining example of how strong collaborations can drive meaningful change.

A key focus of this phase 2 is the importance of increasing national involvement and strengthening partnerships The active participation of representatives from BMEL, the FAO Global Soil Partnership, and national offices of the beneficiary countries showcased the project’s comprehensive approach. This ensures that strategies are not only scientifically sound but also tailored to address the specific challenges and opportunities that farmers find in their communities. Phase 2 builds on the lessons of the first phase, with a focus on promoting resilient food systems, agroecological practices, and crop diversification, enhancing dietary diversity, and fostering grassroots knowledge exchange.

The meeting also highlighted the crucial role of the Steering Committee in guiding implementation and ensuring optimization of available resources.

As Phase 2 progresses, the S4N Project serves as a powerful reminder that the health of our soils is deeply connected to the production of nutritious food. With strong partnerships and farmer empowerment, the S4N project is poised to make a lasting impact, reinforcing the essential link between healthy soils, human health, and environmental sustainability.