Soil Information Systems (SIS) are critical platform for collecting, managing, and disseminating soil data to guide decision-making towards sustainable agricultural and environmental policies. Many countries have recognised the importance of SIS and have invested in their development. However, their expansion remains limited. In Africa, where agriculture accounts for 35 % of the GDP and supports the livelihoods of more than half of the population, SIS development is still limited and fragmented.
A paper titled "National soil information systems (NSIS) in Africa: Expert perceptions of status, challenges, and stakeholder collaboration", authored by members of the Africa Soil Information Community of Practice for Soil Information Providers, facilitated by ISRIC, was recently published in Soil Advances. The paper investigated the challenges hindering the development of robust and sustainable national SIS in the continent.
Using a questionnaire to survey 81 soil information experts from 27 African countries, the study identifies interconnected technological, institutional, financial, policy, infrastructure, and human capacity constraints. In addition, stakeholder collaboration, reflected in persistent fragmentation and limited coordination across institutions and sectors, was identified as a key barrier to the development, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of national SIS.
The authors highlight several urgent actions needed to strengthen national SIS in Africa, including capacity strengthening and training in SIS development, improved data governance and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles, mechanisms for sustainable and locally owned financing, and increased investments in infrastructure and technology. Overall, these findings emphasise the need for harmonized methodologies, stronger institutional frameworks, and enhanced regional cooperation to build resilient and integrated national SIS that support sustainable land management and agricultural productivity across the continent.
Read more in the paper accessible here.
Citation: Georges K. Kome, Cédrick Nguemezi, Prudence Mhlophe, Eric Asamoah, Emmanuel C. Nnabuihe, Valantine A. Tellen, Omnia M. Wassif, Caleb M. Ocansey, Blessing I. Agada, Needam G. Baritoesaen, Julius Opio, Benedicta E. Ayamba, Samuel A. Mesele, Francis B.T. Silatsa, Hadiza A. Ahmad, Wondwesen H. Woldemariam, Thaïsa van der Woude, Chrow Khurshid, (2026). National soil information systems (NSIS) in Africa: Expert perceptions of status, challenges, and stakeholder collaboratio. Soil Advances, 5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soilad.2026.100105