Guests Marioldy Sanchez Santivanez, Kleily Vargas and Jhon Guimaraes offer a compelling look into the deep-rooted relationship between indigenous communities and the land—revealing how traditional knowledge, community governance, and a commitment to ecological balance have sustained landscapes for generations.

Listeners will discover how indigenous farming practices—guided by ancestral understanding of seasons, biodiversity, and soil life—offer viable, chemical-free alternatives for modern agriculture. Juan highlights the importance of keeping forests as forests, managing land collectively, and honouring the natural rhythms of the environment.

This episode shines a light on the transformative potential of indigenous agriculture as both a model and a movement for global sustainability. With collaboration between communities and professionals growing, and with renewed recognition of indigenous contributions, the future of sustainable land stewardship looks brighter than ever.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters

In this special two part edition of Soil Matters, host Paul Lincoln explores how centuries of Indigenous knowledge are shaping modern approaches to soil health and sustainable land management across Africa.

In part 1, joined by three inspiring guests—Divine Ntiokam (Global Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network), Jemimah Kutata (Maasai disability rights advocate and community leader), and Dr Awdenegest Moges (Hawassa University, Ethiopia)—the conversation spans youth-led climate-smart agriculture, grassroots empowerment, and community driven soil restoration.

Together, they reveal how traditional practices complement modern soil science, strengthen resilience against desertification and drought, and connect local stewardship to global agendas on food security and climate justice. From Kenya’s Indigenous governance of land resources to Ethiopia’s Rift Valley restoration projects, this episode highlights the vital role of indigenous communities in safeguarding the future of our soils.

Subscribe now to hear how “old knowledge” offers fresh solutions for today’s soil challenges and why listening to Indigenous voices is key to building climate resilience worldwide.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters

What does it really mean to farm with nature, not against it? In this episode of Soil Matters, we dive deep into regenerative agriculture — exploring its principles, challenges, and potential to reshape the future of farming.

Host, Paul Lincoln, is joined by broadcaster and BSSS Patron Kate Humble, farmer, Wildfarmed co-founder and musician Andy Cato, and soil scientist and BSSS President-Elect Dr. Lizzie Sagoo. Together, they share personal journeys from smallholdings to large-scale projects, reflect on what it takes to bring degraded soils back to life, and unpack the realities behind the “regen ag” movement.

From cover crops and companion planting to biodiversity and building resilient food systems, this conversation bridges science, practice, and passion. Whether you’re a farmer, grower, researcher, or simply someone who cares about what’s on your plate, this episode offers fresh insight into how soil health underpins a sustainable future.

For more information, visit: soils.org.uk/soilmatters