The benchmark for soil
The Institut national de Pédologie (INP) is a public scientific and technological establishment that contributes to Senegal’s economic and social development by improving the soil, the basis of agricultural production, and by building producers’ capacity for sustainable land management. Since its creation in June 2004, the INP has been working to combat land degradation. Restoring degraded land, preserving it and increasing its productivity are the pillars of its work throughout the country. The advent of the INP marks the inclusion of the soil dimension in agricultural development policies and programmes.
The INP’s missions are:
- Identifying and controlling the characteristics of soil resources (soil mapping, assessment of agricultural, forestry, pastoral, aquaculture and urban suitability)
- Safeguarding land assets (developing technical packages for sustainable management of land on the basis of soil and climate characteristics)
- Training and raising awareness among producers and other economic operators about the role of soil science
- Implementing training modules for the sustainable and profitable operation and management of rural activities
- The coordination, regulation and control of soil science work carried out in the country
- The establishment of soil and water standards for agriculture
- The establishment of multi-purpose training centres for producers, showcases for sustainable and profitable farming techniques and methods
- The stimulation and development of sub-regional, regional and international cooperation in agro-pedology (harmonisation of standards and methods, exchange of expertise)
