The story

Soil data is a valuable resource for developing evidence-based agricultural policies that ultimately support farmers. When shared across government departments, soil data can support a wide range of decisions. However, a lack of formal data-sharing can hinder effective collaboration. National Soil Information Systems (SISs) fundamentally address this challenge, enabling more coordinated and impactful action. 

SISs enable decision-makers to gain a comprehensive understanding of soil conditions. From fertilizer use and soil erosion to watershed management, they help them to better address critical agricultural issues. SISs support wider landscape-level and policy-level decision-making. In 2024, CABI developed a framework to help nations build more effective SISs. Created by CABI and ISRIC World Soil Information, the framework is a central part of the Soil Information Systems Review, a project funded by the Gates Foundation. 

CABI has conducted SIS workshops in Ghana, Kenya and Zambia, leading to the development of national roadmaps for SISs, and Ghana has recently committed to building a national SIS based on CABI’s approach. Beyond individual nations, CABI is driving the development of SISs across Africa. We are partnered with FARA, ISRIC and the FAO, and together, have formed a new international coalition. This partnership will support the African Union with SISs at both national and continental levels. 

Our goal is to drive collaboration and data-driven decisions. In 2024, we supported the Gates Foundation with the development of the FAIR Process Framework to make data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable across their investments. This has helped to improve efficiency and return on investment across large projects. Invited by the government of Ethiopia, we also supported their approach to data governance, helping to develop the landmark digital agriculture roadmap, guiding the country’s future digital strategy and policy for soil, agronomy and agriculture more widely.