Soil is the foundation of life—and the heart of sustainable agriculture. In honor of World Soil Day on December 5, IFDC invited participants from around the world to share powerful photos and visual stories that highlight the vital role of soil health.
Through compelling imagery and media, each submission told a unique story of connection, conservation, and impactful change. Check out the winning entries from our Soil Health Visual Storytelling Contest, and learn about how each initiative is enhancing soil health and supporting rural communities!
Photo Contest Winners
First Place
Flux’s Approach to Revitalizing Soil Through Rock Powders
Submitted by: Sam Davies
Location: Wawidhi, Kisumu County, Kenya
In a United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)-funded trial in Kisumu, Flux’s natural rock powders helped farmers re-mineralize their soils, boosting yields by an average of 71%. The powders improved soil pH, added vital nutrients, and even removed CO₂ from the atmosphere through Enhanced Rock Weathering. The dramatic difference in crop performance, visible just seven weeks after planting, shows the powerful impact of science-based soil solutions.
Read the full results here: Trial Results
Second Place
Revolutionizing Rice Cultivation in Guinea Through Urea Deep Placement
Submitted by: Alpha Makanera
Location: Dongol-Sigon, Labé, Guinea
Mariama Bailawa Bah, a small-scale farmer in Guinea, embraced urea deep placement (UDP) through the IFDC-implemented Integrated Rural Development for Gaoual, Koundara, and Mali (PDRI/GKM) project, funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Initially skeptical, she ultimately saw firsthand how placing urea at the root level increased rice yields and reduced fertilizer waste by improving nitrogen uptake. Mariama’s experience shows how innovative fertilizer practices–especially when paired with training and technical support–can enhance soil health by improving nutrient use efficiency.
Third Place
How FarmSpace Technology Empowers Nigerian Farmers with On-the-Spot Soil Health Insights
Submitted by: Tijjani Ali Lawal
Location: Kano, Nigeria
FarmSpace Technology‘s portable, AI-powered soil testing device helps smallholder farmers in Nigeria analyze key soil health indicators, such as nutrients, pH, and organic matter, directly in the field. With limited access to labs, farmers often rely on guesswork; but by promoting precise fertilizer and irrigation practices, FarmSpace’s device helps farmers cut input costs by up to 60%, boost productivity, and adopt sustainable soil management practices—protecting both their land and the environment.
This solution provides fast, affordable soil health insights, enabling informed decisions on crop choice and input use.
Video Contest Winners
First Place
PlantVillage Turns Invasion into Restoration, Reviving Soils in Baringo County
Submitted by: Mercy Archieng
Location: Baringo County, Kenya
PlantVillage, which originated at Penn State University, is confronting the spread of an invasive shrub called Prosopis juliflora (commonly known as mesquite) by converting it into biochar—a nutrient-rich substance that revitalizes degraded soils. This eco-friendly solution helps farmers in the Salabani community grow nutrient-rich grass for livestock feed and income. By turning the invasive plant into biochar, PlantVillage is restoring soil health by turning a major environmental challenge into an opportunity for sustainable farming and community resilience.
Second Place
Food Secured Schools Africa Cultivates Future Soil Stewards Through Sustainable School Gardens
Submitted by: Eskender Mulugeta
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Food Secured Schools Africa (FSSA), founded by Eskender Mulugeta, promotes sustainable school gardens to improve food security, support school feeding programs, and provide hands-on agricultural education. These gardens act as living classrooms where students and parents learn about soil health, nutrition, and sustainable farming. By engaging communities and partnering with organizations such as UNICEF and local schools, FSSA builds long-term skills and fosters self-sufficiency.
Teaching these practices is vital to inspire and feed the next generation.
Third Place
AgriDigitale TV Highlights Bokashi’s Role in Revitalizing Soils and Strengthening Rural Resilience
Submitted by: Akpagana Kodjo Simon
Location: Lomé, Togo
AgriDigitale TV showcases the impact of bokashi, a highly effective organic fertilizer. The farmer stories and visuals featured on the platform reveal how bokashi enhances soil health and structure, increases water and nutrient retention, and delivers economic and social benefits by boosting crop yields. AgriDigitale TV highlights the ways in which bokashi not only empowers farmers but also improves food security, supports sustainable ecosystems, and strengthens rural resilience.
