Soil System Status, Threats, Utilization Pattern, and Sustainable Management Strategies in the Global South: African Perspectives

This chapter provides an overview of the status of soil systems in the Global South, with a particular focus on Africa. Soil is a vital natural resource that plays a crucial role in supporting life on Earth, but it faces threats from all quarters, ranging from land degradation to the impacts of climate change. Thus, climate-smart management strategies are required to ensure sustainable use of this resource. The status of the soil in Africa is characterized by a range of factors, including soil type, climate, vegetation cover, and land use patterns. The chapter discusses the diverse range of soil types found in Africa and the highly variable climate across the continent. It also highlights the importance of soil in sustaining agriculture, forestry, and natural habitats. The need for sustainable management strategies to address the threats facing the soil system in the Global South, including soil degradation, erosion, and pollution is emphasized. Overall, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the status of soil systems in the Global South and highlights the urgent need for sustainable management strategies to ensure its long-term viability.