Belize Partners with FAO on Soil Conservation Training

Belize has launched the Soil Doctor Training Programme to strengthen soil conservation and sustainable land management. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise (MAFSE) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and was officially opened in Belmopan on Monday.

The five-day training-of-trainers workshop, facilitated by FAO soil expert Juan Carlos Rey Brina, brings together agricultural extension officers from MAFSE and other stakeholders.

Once certified, the officers will train a national network of “Soil Doctors,” community-level champions who will work directly with farmers to promote best practices in soil health and management.

“Through hands-on training, the programme equips extension officers with practical tools and knowledge to support farmers in diagnosing soil issues, implementing conservation measures, and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices,” the ministry said.

The Soil Doctor initiative is part of the FAO’s Global Soil Partnership.