Highlights from the most recent Africa Soil Information Service (AfSIS) reporting period, June-Dec. 2010:

--Signing of the GlobalSoilMap.net consortium agreement by high-level official representatives from each of the participating regional nodes. Most nodes have now begun to either produce first generation map products for large areas, or to at least to identify preferred prediction methods by conducting pilot projects that apply and evaluate alternative mapping methods.

We view human and institutional capacity strengthening as the key to building ownership of the project by national institutions and consequently ensuring sustainability of not only AfSIS, but also the science and technology behind it.

A Globally Integrated Africa Soil Information Service (AfSIS) Project Launch and Workshop 12-16 January 2009, Nairobi, Kenya

Summary
Fifty-six scientists from 16 countries, Ambassadors and or their representatives, Kenya’s Minister of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, Donors, high ranking Kenya government officials, development partners, as well as local and international media met at ICRAF, Nairobi, Kenya to launch the African Soil Information Service (AfSIS) and conduct its first workshop.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa Award US$18 Million to International Center for Tropical Agriculture