Tinaye Agere
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE is set to commemorate the World Soil Day on Thursday, with a focus on promoting sustainable soil management practices and highlighting the critical role of soil health in ensuring food security and climate resilience.
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on December 5.
This year it will be celebrated under the theme “Caring for Soils, Measure, Monitor and Manage for Food Security Everywhere and Every Day.”
Chief Director of Engineering, Mechanization, Post-Harvest Agro-processing and Soil Conservation at the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Engineer Edwin Zimunga said soil health is key in the agricultural sector.
“Soil is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy,” he said.
“The land, which defines our nation, is dependent on healthy soil. It is the source of life and its preservation is crucial for our future.”
To celebrate International Soil Day, Zimbabwe will host a series of events nationwide involving Government officials, farmers, researchers and the communities.
The celebrations will highlight the importance of sustainable farming practices and climate resilience.
The Government has implemented various measures to improve soil health and fertility.
These include constructing terraces on sloping land to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention, planting crops along natural contours to minimize soil erosion, planting trees and shrubs to protect crops from wind erosion and create microclimates.
The Government also constructed small dams and stone structures to control water flow and reduce soil erosion, designing and implementing drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and improve soil aeration.
“We have been promoting reduced tillage, crop rotation and mulching to conserve soil moisture and nutrients, collecting and storing rainwater for irrigation and other uses, applying fertilizers efficiently to improve soil fertility and crop yields and regularly testing soil to determine nutrient levels and make informed fertilizer recommendations,” said Eng Zimunga.
The Government, he said, is also developing a national soil conservation policy to provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable soil management practices.
“By prioritising soil health and sustainable farming practices, Zimbabwe aims to ensure food security, reduce poverty, and protect the environment for future generations,” said Eng Zimunga.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to soil health aligns with global efforts to address climate change and food security challenges.
“By investing in sustainable soil management, the country can build a resilient agricultural sector and secure a prosperous future for its people,” he said.
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