Oyo Matters
Bane Of Soil Management Identified
Pollution, Erosion, construction pressures by estate developers, waste management and the impact of climate change have been described as a major impediment to healthy soil.
This was disclosed by the Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Gabriel Oluwatosin during the World Soil Day held recently.
“Today’s theme, “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities,” and sub theme “Valuing Our Soils: A Foundation For Food Sovereignty And Climate Resilience,” reminds us that the wellbeing of our cities across the country begins beneath our feet.
“Soil is the foundation that supports our food systems, filters our water, stores carbon, sustains biodiversity, and keeps our environment resilient,” he said.
He stated that healthy soil is not just an agricultural concern, but urban health issue, economic issue, environmental issue, and ultimately, a human wellbeing issue.
He said; “In our various cities, healthy soil plays many critical roles, as it supports urban agriculture, helping households and communities access fresh, and nutritious food, improves flood and erosion control management reducing flooding and protecting infrastructure, enhances green spaces, parks, and urban forests making our cities cooler, cleaner, and more livable, and acts as a natural carbon sink helping us combat climate change and improve air quality.
“Yet, despite the numerous importance of soil, it is under threat by pollution, erosion, construction, pressure by estate developers, waste mismanagement, and the impacts of climate change.
“All these make our soil unhealthy, thereby making our cities more vulnerable. Today, we are calling for a collective commitment to protect and restore our soils in our cities. Healthy soil is a shared responsibility.”
He disclosed that the government, private sector, communities, and every occupant of land have a role in preserving this precious resource.
This, according to him, can be done by promoting sustainable land-use planning and green infrastructure, encouraging composting and responsible waste management to return nutrients to the soil, expanding urban gardens, community farms, and green belts. Supporting research, innovation, and public education on soil health.
“Strengthening policies that prevent soil contamination and safeguard natural ecosystem not encouraging estate extension without proper planning.
“As we celebrate World Soil Day, let us commit to building cities that are not only modern, but also sustainable, resilient, and nourished from the ground up. Because when we protect our soil, we protect our future.
“When we invest in the soil, we invest in the citizens, and when we build Healthy Soil, we build Healthy Cities. The onus lies on us now,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Head, Land and Water Resources Management Programme of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Are, described the soil as the most important but often neglected and however called on estate developers to make good plans before considering using the soil for building purposes.
Professor Are urged estate developers to consider leaving lands for green belt instead of converting the whole city to residential buildings and ensure proper construction of drainages so as to prevent erosion and control flooding.
-
Society News5 years agoJamaican man beheads wife after finding out their 6 kids are not his
-
Society News7 years agoEXCLUSIVE: The Complete Story of Dolapo Awosika, John Fashanu and Prophet Kasali Sex Mess
-
News5 years agoPastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, His Membership Of Secret Cult, And Other Issues Touching On His Public Credentials Examined by Barr. PATRICK I. BIOSE
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: Ajimobi’s daughter-in-law blast Gov. Makinde, says gov can’t surpass ex-Oyo gov
-
Society News6 years agoThe Rise and Fall of “Jumoke The Bread Seller”
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: 2 arrested as NAF begins investigations into Tolulope’s death
-
Crime6 years agoExclusive: Female Aide Fingered In Oko Oloyun’s Murder + Banking Transactions That Nailed Husband
-
News5 years agoBREAKING: Police take over Edo House of Assembly as APC, Oshiomhole move to seize control
You must be logged in to post a comment Login