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CSIR-SRI Strengthens Proposal Writing Skills to Enhance Research Funding Competitiveness

CSIR-SRI Strengthens Proposal Writing Skills to Enhance Research Funding Competitiveness

The CSIR-Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI) in Kumasi has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research excellence by organizing a 2-day proposal development workshop on the 15th-16th of July, 2026, an event aimed at equipping its scientists and staff with the knowledge and practical skills required to develop competitive research proposals capable of attracting national and international funding.

The workshop also provided a platform for participants to collaboratively develop an institutional proposal for a national soil dashboard and information system that will improve access to reliable soil information for sustainable agriculture, climate resilience and evidence-based decision-making in Ghana.

Welcoming participants, Dr. Robert Brenya, a research scientist at CSIR-SRI, described the workshop as an important investment in strengthening the institute’s research competitiveness. He encouraged participants to transform innovative ideas, scientific discoveries and research questions into high-quality, fundable proposals that address national development priorities and attract strategic partnerships.

Dr. Brenya introduced the resource person, Dr. Edward Yeboah, a former director of CSIR-SRI, a renowned soil scientist and an experienced proposal development expert, who facilitated the two-day workshop.

In his presentation, Dr Yeboah emphasized that robust soil information systems are essential for improving soil health, enhancing food security and supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. He noted that although Ghana has established platforms such as the Ghana Soil Information System (GhaSIS), Soil Nutrient Road Maps (SNRM) and the African Union Soil Observatory, many of these systems have significant limitations, including inadequate integration of climate and crop yield data, limited crop-specific information and insufficient protection against digital misuse.

He further highlighted a major institutional challenge confronting CSIR-SRI, the fragmentation of valuable soil data across individual researchers’ computers rather than within a centralized institutional repository. According to him, the lack of an integrated data management system limits the Institute’s ability to respond promptly to funding opportunities, strengthen research collaborations and provide timely, reliable soil information to farmers, policymakers, extension officers, fertilizer companies and other key stakeholders.
Throughout the workshop, participants were guided through the essential components of competitive proposal development, including problem identification, proposal structuring, objective setting, literature review, conceptual framework development, research methodology, budgeting, project scheduling and strategies for meeting donor expectations.
Interactive discussions also enabled participants to examine critical institutional challenges affecting soil data management, including fragmented datasets, the absence of a centralized data repository, inconsistent harmonization of analytical procedures, inadequate georeferencing of legacy datasets, and the need for clear institutional policies on data ownership and accessibility. Participants agreed that addressing these challenges would significantly strengthen research collaboration, improve institutional efficiency and enhance the quality and accessibility of soil information to support Ghana’s agricultural sector.
On the second day of the workshop, Dr. Collins Tay, Director of CSIR-SRI, described proposal writing as one of the most critical skills for today’s researchers. He noted that the increasingly competitive global research environment requires scientists to continuously develop high-quality proposals capable of attracting funding and building long-term strategic partnerships.
Dr. Tay encouraged participants to position themselves and the Institute as credible partners for international collaborations by demonstrating technical excellence, innovation and strong institutional capacity.
The workshop also featured practical sessions on equitable international research partnerships, during which participants explored strategies for negotiating fair roles, authorship, governance structures and funding arrangements in collaborative research projects. Working in groups, they developed sections of the proposed institutional soil dashboard project and presented their work for peer review and expert feedback.

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UESD-FES Conference Pushes Science-Based Solutions to Ghana’s Galamsey Crisis

UESD-FES CONFERENCE PUSHES SCIENCE-BASED SOLUTIONS TO GHANA’S GALAMSEY CRISIS

A Senior Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of the Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI) in Kumasi, Mr Sadick Adams, says the evidence from mining-affected areas raises serious concerns about food safety, environmental sustainability and public health.

Speaking at the 2026 UESD-FES Stakeholder Conference at Peduase-Aburi in the Eastern Region, on the 22nd to 24th July, 2026, Mr Adams explained that mining-related contaminants could enter the food chain, with prolonged exposure posing potential risks to human health.

He said the problem goes beyond the pollution of rivers because contaminated soils and water resources could affect agricultural production, fisheries, aquatic life and the health of communities that depend on these resources.

Mr Adams, therefore, called for continuous environmental monitoring, stronger scientific research, and greater use of research findings in national policy and decision-making.

According to Mr. Adams, scientific evidence showing the accumulation of heavy metals in soils, water bodies, crops and aquatic ecosystems has intensified calls for urgent and coordinated action against illegal mining in Ghana.

The two-day conference was organised by the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, UESD, in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, FES, Economic Policy Competence Centre.

It was held on the theme “Galamsey, Environmental Contamination and Food Poisoning in Ghana: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective”.

The conference brought together scientists, policymakers, academics, environmental experts, development practitioners and other stakeholders to examine how scientific evidence can be translated into practical solutions to Ghana’s illegal mining crisis.

Participants warned that the impact of galamsey is no longer limited to degraded lands and polluted rivers but increasingly threatens the country’s food systems and public health.

Professor Gibrilla Abass of the Department of Water Resources and Aquaculture Management said the effects of illegal mining cut across several sectors, including water resources, forests, agriculture, fisheries, food safety and public health.

He said the interconnected nature of the problem means no single institution can address it alone.

Professor Abass, therefore, called for a coordinated response involving government agencies, scientists, universities, research institutions, mining communities, traditional authorities, civil society organisations and development partners.

He also called for greater investment in research and innovation, environmental restoration and sustainable mining practices.

The vice-chancellor of UESD, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, also described galamsey as one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental, public health and socio-economic challenges.

His address was delivered on his behalf by the Head of the Research and Innovations Unit, Professor Felicia Annin.

Professor Nyarko-Sampson said the contamination of soils, rivers, crops and aquatic ecosystems requires a coordinated national response backed by credible scientific evidence, effective governance and sound public policy.

He said universities and research institutions have an important role to play in generating evidence, informing policy and developing innovative solutions to restore degraded ecosystems.

He, however, stressed that environmental restoration must also consider the livelihoods of communities that depend on natural resources for survival.

Professor Nyarko-Sampson therefore called for stronger collaboration among government, universities, research organisations, civil society, traditional authorities, development partners and local communities.

Delivering the keynote address, the Dean of UESD’s School of Sustainable Development, Professor Anthony Amoah, said Ghana must address both the environmental consequences of illegal mining and the economic conditions that encourage people to engage in the activity. He acknowledged the contribution of artisanal and small-scale mining to employment, household incomes and Ghana’s gold economy, but warned that poorly regulated mining continues to cause significant environmental and social damage.

Professor Amoah said some previous interventions have achieved limited results because of their heavy focus on enforcement without adequately addressing the economy or the realities of mining communities.

As an alternative, he proposed the Integrated Sustainability Action, or ISA Model, which seeks to combine environmental protection, effective regulation and sustainable livelihoods.

Under the proposed framework, local miners would be organised into formal cooperatives, foreign participation in small-scale mining would be restricted, and responsibility for reclaiming degraded lands would be clearly assigned.

The model also proposes stronger monitoring, accountability and enforcement.

Professor Amoah said enforcement and livelihoods should not be treated as competing priorities.

He argued that Ghana could address both through an integrated approach that protects the environment while promoting food security and inclusive economic development.

A panel, moderated by Professor Michael Tuffuor, the Head of the Department of Sustainable Development and Policy, examined some of the institutional challenges affecting Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.

The panel included Mr Tweneboah Koduah of the National Development Planning Commission, Ms Winner Wendy Anane of Rocha Ghana and Dr Theodora Akweley Asiamah of UESD.

The panellists identified weak and inconsistent implementation of existing laws as a major obstacle to efforts to control illegal mining. They called for stronger political commitment, greater institutional accountability, better coordination among regulatory agencies and increased investment in intelligence-led enforcement. They also advocated greater involvement of traditional authorities and mining communities in efforts to address the problem.

During the broader stakeholder discussion, moderated by Professor Daniella Delali Sedegah, participants again identified weak enforcement as a major concern. They said tackling galamsey requires more than periodic crackdowns and short-term interventions.

Participants called for a sustained national strategy that combines effective law enforcement with scientific research, alternative livelihoods, community participation, environmental restoration and political commitment.

The conference also challenged universities and research institutions to ensure that scientific findings are not confined to academic circles.

Instead, participants want research evidence translated into practical policies and interventions that protect communities and restore degraded environments.

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CSIR-Soil Research Institute Calls for Evidence-Based Fertilizer Use and Increased Research Funding to Safeguard Ghana’s Soils

CSIR-Soil Research Institute Calls for Evidence-Based Fertilizer Use and Increased Research Funding to Safeguard Ghana’s Soils.

The Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Dr. Collins Tay, has raised concerns over two critical issues affecting sustainable agricultural development in Ghana: the inappropriate use of imported fertilizers and the inadequate funding of agricultural research.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show during Joy Agribusiness Month, Dr. Tay cautioned that some fertilizers imported into the country may not be well-suited to Ghana’s diverse soil conditions. He explained that the indiscriminate application of such fertilizers is contributing to soil degradation rather than improving soil fertility and agricultural productivity.

He noted that fertilizer import decisions are often made without sufficient consultation with soil scientists and other technical experts. According to him, applying fertilizers without proper soil testing and nutrient assessment can lead to imbalances, where soils already rich in certain nutrients receive additional unnecessary inputs.

“Some soils may already contain adequate levels of nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus,” he explained. “Applying 

blanket fertilizer recommendations without considering soil conditions can result in excess nutrients leaching into the environment.”

Dr. Tay further emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between government, policymakers, and agricultural stakeholders to ensure that fertilizer importation and application are guided by scientific evidence and local soil data.

In addition to concerns about fertilizer use, Dr. Tay also highlighted the persistent challenge of limited funding for agricultural research in Ghana.

He revealed that while government pays the salaries of researchers, it does not provide direct funding for research activities, leaving donor agencies as the primary financiers of scientific work at the institute.

He warned that this heavy dependence on external funding poses risks to national ownership and control of critical agricultural data. In some cases, donor agreements require the transfer of raw research data, raising concerns about long-term access to information essential for national planning.

Dr. Tay stressed that the CSIR-Soil Research Institute plays a key role in providing soil fertility information, land suitability assessments, and agricultural mapping services that support food production and environmental management across the country. However, inadequate domestic investment limits the institute’s ability to fully deliver on its mandate.

He further observed that while substantial resources are spent on fertilizer imports and subsidies, relatively little is invested in research to determine appropriate fertilizer requirements tailored to Ghana’s varied soils.

Dr. Tay cautioned that continued underinvestment in agricultural research, combined with weak integration of scientific expertise into fertilizer policy, could undermine innovation, reduce productivity, and threaten long-term food security.

He therefore called for a coordinated, science-driven approach to fertilizer management, alongside increased and sustained government support for agricultural research institutions to safeguard Ghana’s soils and strengthen national food security.

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CSIR Trains Northern Sector Staff in Professional Janitorial and Facilities Sanitation Management

CSIR Trains Northern Sector Staff in Professional Janitorial and Facilities Sanitation Management

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has organized a 5-day training programme on Professional Janitorial and Facilities Sanitation Management for junior staff from its Northern Sector institutions.

The training, held from June 8 to 12, 2026, at the Sofernet Conference Room of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI) at Kwadaso- Kumasi, sought to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in modern sanitation practices, workplace hygiene, and facilities management.

In his welcome address, Dr. Emmanuel Dugan, Senior Research Scientist and Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, encouraged participants to remain attentive throughout the training and embrace emerging trends and best practices in professional janitorial and facilities sanitation management.

The programme was facilitated by Mr. Samuel Azuug Ndebilla, Head of Commercialization at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, and Ms. Hagar Assan, Principal Administrative Officer at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute.

Speaking during the training, the facilitators emphasized the importance of maintaining clean, safe, and healthy work environments to support research activities and improve institutional productivity. They noted that janitorial and sanitation personnel play a critical role in projecting a positive image of the institution while ensuring the well-being of staff and visitors.

The training covered key areas including professional cleaning techniques, accountability, emotional intelligence, customer service, workplace ethics and integrity, and best practices in facilities maintenance.

Mr. Ndebilla encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the training to improve sanitation standards within their respective workplaces. He noted that professionalism, commitment, and attention to detail are essential qualities for effective facilities management.

“As a research institution, our success depends on both senior and junior staff. Whether in the field, laboratory, or service delivery, they play a vital role. We remain committed to supporting their growth and ensuring they benefit from career progression,” he added.

Ms. Assan urged participants to uphold high standards of ethics, integrity, and discipline in the discharge of their duties, stressing that a clean and well-maintained environment contributes significantly to staff morale and organizational performance.

Participants expressed appreciation to management for organizing the programme, describing it as timely and beneficial to their professional development. They pledged to implement the lessons learned to enhance sanitation and facilities management within their institutions.

The training forms part of CSIR’s continuous staff capacity-building initiatives aimed at promoting excellence, professionalism, and effective service delivery across its institutions.

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AWARD Fellowship

AWARD Fellowship Empowers Scientists to Champion Sustainable Farming and Community Development

A Senior Technical Officer at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Miss Mary Koduah, has successfully completed the prestigious African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Mentorship Program, using the opportunity to promote environmental sustainability and support farming communities.

Mary Koduah participated in the year-long virtual fellowship in 2025, with support from the Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Dr. Collins Tay, and mentorship from Dr. Robert Brenya. The program provided valuable training in research, mentorship, stakeholder engagement, and gender-inclusive agricultural development.

As part of the fellowship’s community engagement activities, Mary Koduah led an outreach program at Nweneso No. 1 on April 21, 2026, under the theme “Clean Water, Healthy Soil, and Quality Food.”

The initiative focused on educating farmers and residents on environmental sustainability, safe agricultural practices, and the effects of illegal mining on food production, soil fertility, water quality, and public health.

Working alongside colleagues Leticia Ohenewaa and Enoch Danquah, and under the supervision of Dr. Robert Brenya, the team conducted interviews with local farmers.

The findings revealed growing concerns about deteriorating water quality, degraded farmlands, declining soil fertility, and challenges in maintaining crop yields.

Participants were also educated on the dangers of heavy metal contamination and its potential

health impacts. The team further introduced improved soil and water management practices, including the use of biochar systems to enhance soil productivity and environmental resilience.

The outreach fostered direct engagement with farmers, encouraged greater collaboration with the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, and highlighted the urgent need for safe and reliable water sources within the community.

Speaking on the impact of the fellowship, Mary Koduah noted that the AWARD Program significantly strengthened her skills in stakeholder engagement, scientific communication, and addressing critical agricultural and environmental challenges.

She expressed appreciation to the Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, Dr. Collins Tay, her mentor Dr. Robert Brenya, and the AWARD Fellowship Program for their guidance, support, and commitment to empowering women in agricultural research.

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CSIR-Soil Research Institute Unveils Ultra-Modern Administrative Building in Kumasi

CSIR-Soil Research Institute Unveils Ultra-Modern Administrative Building in Kumasi

The CSIR-Soil Research Institute (CSIR-SRI) has officially inaugurated a new ultra-modern administrative building at Kwadaso in Kumasi.

The facility, funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of the CSIR-SRI Credit Union, was commissioned on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

In his welcome address, Dr Collins Tay, Director of CSIR-SRI, expressed appreciation for the successful completion of the renovation project, which commenced in December 2025. He acknowledged that although the process temporarily disrupted office operations, the outcome significantly enhanced the institute’s administrative capacity.

Dr. Tay further encouraged the current leadership of the credit union to sustain such impactful initiatives and emphasized the need for similar improvements across other divisions within the institute.

Chairman of the CSIR-SRI Credit Union, Mr. Edward Kissi, commended the Board and Management for their commitment and contribution toward transforming the facility. He also urged staff to maintain the building to ensure its longevity.

The event was attended by executives of the credit union, as well as management and staff of CSIR-SRI.

The ceremony ended with a prayer led by Pastor Ing. Dr. Ephraim Sekyi-Annan, who called for ongoing collaboration and mutual benefit between the credit union and the institute.

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CSIR-SRI Strengthens Research Skills with Hands-On Training

CSIR-SRI Strengthens Research Skills with Hands-On Training

There was a renewed sense of energy and collaboration at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute as researchers stepped away from their routine laboratory and field work to take part in a 5-day intensive training programme designed to sharpen their skills and elevate the Institute’s research output.

The in-house training focused on practical aspects of experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing—core areas that shape the quality and impact of scientific work. Early-career scientists sat side by side with senior colleagues, exchanging ideas and experiences while learning new tools and approaches to strengthen their research.

The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Albert Kobina Mensah, a seasoned scientist at the Institute, and Mr. Gideon Asamoah, a research scientist known for his expertise in R Studio. Through interactive and hands-on exercises, participants deepened their understanding of statistical analysis using R Studio, improved their reference management skills with tools such as Zotero and Mendeley, and explored practical strategies for publishing in high-impact journals.

Beyond technical skills, the training also introduced modern research design methods and scientific writing techniques, helping staff adapt to evolving research trends, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence in scientific work.

At the close of the programme, Dr. Robert Brenya, speaking on behalf of the participants, expressed sincere appreciation to the facilitators for their time, patience, and dedication. He noted that the knowledge shared over the 5-days would not only strengthen individual researchers but also contribute significantly to the Institute’s mission of delivering impactful scientific solutions.

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CSIR Council Chair Calls for Transformation into More Visible, Innovative, and Commercial Institution

CSIR Council Chair Calls for Transformation into More Visible, Innovative, and Commercial Institution

The Council Chair of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Ing. Mark Taylor, has called for sweeping reforms to make CSIR a more visible, innovative, and commercially driven.

Speaking at the induction of the New Management Board of the CSIR–Soil Research Institute on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Ing. Taylor charged board members of CSIR’s northern sector institutes to reposition the organization for greater national and international impact.

Ing. Taylor outlined three priority areas: the strategic use of artificial intelligence, the commercialization and technology transfer of research outputs, and the creation of a unified digital and media platform to showcase CSIR’s research breakthroughs, partnerships, and impact.

He again stressed that visibility is critical to attracting partnerships, securing funding, and strengthening national pride.

He urged CSIR institutes to collaborate in developing a strong, unified institutional voice that communicates achievements effectively to the public.

The newly inaugurated CSIR–SRI Board is chaired by Professor Vincent Logah, a soil scientist and Head of the Department of Crops and Soil Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (KNUST).  He will lead a seven-member board responsible for providing strategic direction and governance oversight.

The board is expected to set research priorities, approve policies, oversee budgets, promote applied research and commercialization, foster private-sector partnerships, and enhance CSIR’s national visibility.

Professor Logah’s appointment is widely seen as a move to strengthen links between academic research and industry, with a focus on accelerating the commercialization of agricultural innovations aligned with Ghana’s development goals.

The Newly Inaugurated CSIR-SRI Board:

  • Prof. Vincent Logah (KNUST) – Chairperson
  • Dr. David Yakubu Anamba (MoFA) Accra – Member
  • Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante (Director, CSIR-CRI) – Member
  • Dr. Collins Tay (Director, CSIR-SRI) – Member
  • Mrs. Theresah Randolf (Country Manager, Yara Ghana Ltd) – Member
  • Nana Buabin Barnie – Member

The development comes at a time when Ghana’s agricultural sector faces growing pressure to modernize. CSIR says the inclusion of private-sector expertise is aimed at ensuring that innovations in soil health and crop science reach commercial farmers and agribusinesses, contributing to food security and economic growth.

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ILLEGAL MINING AND POLLUTION

ILLEGAL MINING AND POLLUTION PUTTING GHANA’S SOILS UNDER THREAT -SOIL CONSERVATIONISTS

Experts have renewed calls for stronger environmental protection measures to safeguard Ghana’s soils, warning that ongoing degradation directly threatens food security, public health, and sustainable urban development. The appeal was made at the 2025 World Soil Day celebration held at the Soil Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR-SRI), amid rising pressure on the country’s lands from illegal mining, pollution, and excessive use of chemical fertilisers.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Vincent K. Avornyo, a lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS), emphasised that soil should be regarded as one of the most vital natural resources after water. “Soil is the foundation of our existence, and, sadly, we have not given it the attention it merits,” he stated. “When the soil dies, humans will also die or fall ill.”

Prof. Avornyo explained that soil acts as the medium for crop growth and is a key factor in determining the quality of food and water consumed by humans. He warned that polluted or contaminated soils inevitably pose health risks. “Everything humans eat comes from the soil. If it is polluted, it affects the food chain and ultimately human health.

The soil is a living entity, and it is our duty to protect it,” he added. The 2025 World Soil Day was observed under the theme, “Healthy Soil for Healthy Cities,” highlighting the increasing importance of soil conservation in rapidly urbanizing environments.

President of the Soil Science Society of Ghana, Dr. Edward Yeboah, reinforced this message by urging policymakers and city planners to look beyond short-term agricultural yields. “Soil health involves maintaining a balanced community of organisms and good physical and chemical structure to ensure long-term productivity and environmental quality,” he explained.

He pointed out that urban soils provide essential ecosystem services, including food production, water filtration, carbon storage, temperature regulation, and supporting biodiversity. However, activities like soil sealing, pollution, and unplanned urban expansion are gradually undermining these benefits.

Dr. Collins Korbla Tay, Director of the CSIR-Soil Research Institute, also warned against the common misconception of soil as “dead earth” that can be exploited without consequence. “As long as we keep dumping waste on the soil without managing it properly, the soil will become contaminated. When heavy rains occur, flooding becomes inevitable,” he cautioned.

Dr. Tay lamented that many African societies, including Ghana, undervalue soil, resulting in practices that diminish its quality, especially in cities dominated by concrete structures and poor waste management. “In the past, cities had open lands designated for agriculture and green spaces. Today, everything is concretised, leaving the soil no space to breathe and perform its natural functions,” he observed.

The event united researchers, students, local government officials, and environmental NGOs, all of whom echoed the need for sustainable agricultural practices, reduced pollution, and mindful urban planning. Participants agreed that protecting soil is not only an environmental issue but also a national development priority, vital for building healthy cities, resilient communities, and a sustainable future for Ghana.

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2025 IN-HOUSE REVIEW

EXPERT URGES MENTORSHIP AND TEAMWORK AT 2025 CSIR-SRI IN-HOUSE REVIEW TO BOOST SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Professor Vincent Lugah, a distinguished soil scientist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi and Chairperson of the 2025 In-House Review at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute (SRI), has called on scientists to prioritize mentorship and collaboration as essential strategies for fostering innovation and enhancing the quality of research in Ghana.

At the two-day event held on August 5-6, 2025, in Kwadaso, Kumasi, Professor Lugah, a distinguished soil scientist from the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at KNUST, emphasized, “Mentorship and teamwork are essential foundations for cultivating young researchers, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering a collaborative scientific community equipped to tackle Ghana’s critical agricultural and environmental challenges.”

Professor Vincent Lugah, a distinguished soil scientist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi and Chairperson of the 2025 In-House Review at the CSIR-Soil Research Institute (SRI), has called on scientists to prioritize mentorship and collaboration as essential strategies for fostering innovation and enhancing the quality of research in Ghana.

At the two-day event held on August 5-6, 2025, in Kwadaso, Kumasi, Professor Lugah, a distinguished soil scientist from the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at KNUST, emphasized, “Mentorship and teamwork are essential foundations for cultivating young researchers, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering a collaborative scientific community equipped to tackle Ghana’s critical agricultural and environmental challenges.”

Dr. Collins K. Tay, Director of CSIR-SRI, commenced the meeting with a concise update on the Institute’s status, underscoring the critical importance of sustaining and strengthening the IRREP. He articulated his vision of transforming CSIR-SRI into a premier Centre of Excellence in African soil research.

The presentations covered a wide range of topics, including three focused on soil survey and land use planning, three on soil fertility and resource evaluation, six on soil fertility management and crop production, one on land suitability and agricultural systems, five addressing environmental impacts on social health, and one exploring soil and human interaction.

The CSIR–Soil Research Institute’s In-House Review and Research Planning is an annual platform for evaluating research achievements, sharing knowledge, and setting priorities for the year ahead. It fosters collaboration, mentorship, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the Institute’s work aligns with national development goals and advances sustainable soil management, environmental protection, and agricultural productivity.

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