IITA–CGIAR, through the Soil Values Program, has strengthened the capacity of field survey teams in the Republic of Niger to conduct a major soil sampling campaign to generate high-quality soil information to support improved soil fertility management and agricultural decision-making.
Held in Maradi from 7–9 July 2026, the three-day training brought together 20 participants, including team leaders, surveyors, and technical staff from partner institutions involved in implementing the Soil Values Program. The training equipped participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement standardized soil sampling procedures and digital field data collection protocols. Prof. Jibrin M. Jibrin facilitated the technical sessions, while Dr Maman Garba, IITA Scientist for Soil Values in the Niger Republic, coordinated the training and provided French interpretation throughout the sessions. This ensured that all participants effectively understood the technical concepts and field procedures.
The training introduced participants to the scientific principles underlying representative soil sampling and highlighted the importance of standardized methodologies to generate consistent, comparable soil data. Such data are critical for accurate soil mapping, soil fertility assessment, fertilizer recommendations, sustainable land management planning, and other evidence-based interventions to improve agricultural productivity and soil health.
A major focus of the training is the hierarchical sampling framework adopted by the Soil Values Program. Participants were trained on the identification and sampling of Primary Sampling Units (PSUs), Secondary Sampling Units (SSUs), and Tertiary Sampling Units (TSUs), as well as procedures for site verification, soil sample collection, labeling, packaging, handling, and quality assurance. The training also covered field safety, community engagement, site characterization, and navigation to designated sampling points. Participants received practical instruction in using ODK Collect for electronic field data capture and MAPS.ME for locating and navigating to designated sampling points. Particular emphasis was placed on accurate georeferencing, completeness of field records, and quality checks to minimize errors during data collection.
The training combined classroom sessions with demonstrations, videos, and practical exercises, allowing participants to apply the procedures before deployment. These exercises reinforced correct soil sampling techniques, sample handling and documentation, navigation to predetermined sampling locations, and digital data entry.
Reflecting on the training, Issiaka Maman Bizo, a Research Assistant at ICRISAT Niger, highlighted the value of integrating digital technology with field-based soil assessment.
“The most valuable aspect of the training was its holistic approach, integrating digital technologies with biophysical soil sampling. This approach will help us collect reliable data for evidence-based decision-making on soil fertility management in Niger. I also learned about soil sample collection procedures, digital applications for locating sampling points, sample packaging, and field safety.”
The training concluded with the validation and allocation of sampling locations across the Korama and Gulbi watersheds. Immediately after the training, the survey teams departed for their assigned field locations to begin the soil sampling campaign, applying the standardized methodologies and digital tools introduced during the workshop.
The field exercise will generate baseline soil data needed to better characterize soil fertility constraints and spatial variability within the target landscape. The resulting information will support the development of improved soil information products and more targeted soil fertility and land management interventions.
Beyond the immediate sampling campaign, the exercise contributes to the Soil Values Program’s overall objective of strengthening national and regional capacity to generate and use robust soil information. By combining standardized field protocols, digital data collection, quality assurance, and local technical capacity, IITA-CGIAR and its partners are helping build the soil information systems needed to support healthier soils, more resilient farming systems, and sustainable agricultural development in Niger and across the Sahel.