Giving Compass' Take:

• Joanna Prisco reports that scientists gathered at the UN's “Soil Science: Beyond Food and Fuel” conference called for the prioritization of soil quality in addressing world hunger. 

• How can funders help farmers and communities increase their soil quality? How does climate determine local ideal soil quality? 

• Learn how well-maintained soil can help fight climate change. 

Healthy soils are essential to the fight against world hunger, according to experts in a new report.

The United Nations gathered more than 2,000 scientists in Rio de Janeiro for a week-long conference devoted to the theme “Soil Science: Beyond Food and Fuel,” which covered the role of soils, developing resilient agriculture practices to address environmental changes, and how to combat ongoing threats to food security and sovereignty, reported UN News.

“Soil degradation affects food production, causing hunger and malnutrition, amplifying food-price volatility, forcing land abandonment, and involuntary migration — leading millions into poverty,” said José Graziano da Silva, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in a video message. Da Silva noted that approximately one-third of the Earth’s soil is degraded.

There are currently 10 major threats to soil functions, including soil erosion, nutrient imbalance, acidification, and contamination, according to the FAO’s The Status of the World's Soil Resources report.

“Although soils are hidden and frequently forgotten, we rely on them for our daily activities and for the future of the planet,” Graziano said, noting that 815 million people around the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition. “Maintaining and increasing soil carbon stock should become a priority.”

Read the full article about soil quality by Joanna Prisco at Global Citizen.