AUSO2026-07-012026-07-01© African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) / Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). (2026, July 1). AUSO newsletter (Issue 001)https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14659/338The AUSO Newsletter – Issue 001 marks the launch of the official newsletter series of the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) project. The publication communicates project achievements, ongoing activities, strategic partnerships, and upcoming events while promoting awareness of the project's contribution to improving soil information systems across Africa. The newsletter introduces the vision of AUSO, explaining that the project seeks to establish an integrated African Soil Observatory composed of a Soil Data Centre and a Soil Health Dashboard to improve soil data accessibility, harmonization, and evidence-based decision-making. Major highlights include: Progress made during the first year of project implementation Development of harmonized soil information systems Soil health monitoring initiatives Capacity-building activities and data management training Strategic partnerships supporting continental soil governance Knowledge dissemination through news and blogs Strengthening nationally owned soil information systems Policy support for sustainable soil management The publication also highlights several milestone activities undertaken by the project, including: AUSO Project Launch Data Management Training Programmes Continental AUSO Survey Signing of the AUSO–SOILS4MED Letter of Agreement Development of the Soil Health Dashboard and Soil Data Centre The newsletter showcases AUSO's participation in major regional and international events, including: Eurosoil 2025 European Soil Mission Week Agroecology Days Uganda National Agricultural Extension Week 2026 AUSO Webinar on Data Standards for Improved Soil Health Monitoring in Africa Future engagements highlighted include participation in: 2nd KALRO Scientific Conference and Exhibition 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 African Food Systems Forum European Mission Soil Week 2026 The publication concludes by inviting stakeholders to subscribe to the newsletter, join the AUSO community, and participate in the project's side event and annual meeting during the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) in Abuja, Nigeria, scheduled for 27–30 July 2026, where partners will review project progress, exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration, and define priorities for the next implementation phase.The inaugural issue of the AUSO Newsletter provides an overview of progress made during the first year of implementation of the African Union Soil Observatory (AUSO) project. It highlights key milestones achieved in strengthening soil health monitoring, developing soil information systems, promoting sustainable land management, and building a continent-wide soil information ecosystem that supports evidence-based decision-making for agriculture, food security, and climate resilience. The newsletter introduces the objectives of AUSO, emphasizing its role in establishing a user-friendly Soil Observatory comprising a Soil Data Centre and Soil Health Dashboard to address soil data gaps across Africa. It also showcases major project activities, including the project launch, data management training programmes, continental surveys, strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and preparations for upcoming scientific and policy events. Designed as a periodic communication publication, the newsletter serves as an outreach and knowledge-sharing platform for partners, policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, and other stakeholders interested in advancing harmonized soil information systems and sustainable soil management across Africa.en-USSoil HealthSoil Information SystemsDigital AgricultureSustainable Land ManagementClimate ResilienceAgricultural ResearchCapacity DevelopmentKnowledge ManagementSoil GovernanceOther