Coalition for Soil Information Systems in Africa (C4SISA)

Over 60% of Africa’s lands are drylands and deserts- the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and soil degradation affects more than 65% of the continent. It is also the continent with the lowest agricultural production per capita. That’s why soil information systems (SISs) are needed in Africa to support strategies and targeted interventions for improving soil health, agricultural productivity and food security. However, less than 10% of African countries have a national SIS, leaving critical soil data outdated and scattered.

The Soil Initiative for Africa (SIA) and Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health- Action Plan (AFSH-AP), launched in Nairobi in May 2024, provided a new impetus for improving SISs in Africa. In response to this action plan, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), ISRIC- World Soil Information (ISRIC) and CABI formed the Coalition for Soil Information Systems in Africa (C4SISA), to provide continental-level information products and support the development of national SISs in Africa.

Bringing together our expertise in sustainable SIS development, digital soil mapping, soil data governance, policy and advocacy, we seek to improve coordination across implementing partners and access to technical support for national partners.