On September 19, 2024, a significant gathering took place at the Bolton White Hotel in Abuja, where key stakeholders convened for the National Stakeholders Workshop on Organic Agriculture and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria.
This event was organised by the Heinrich Böll Foundation in collaboration with the Alliance for Action on Pesticides in Nigeria (AAPN), ActionAid Nigeria, and the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN). It aimed to build upon the momentum generated by an earlier workshop held in June, addressing critical issues facing Nigeria’s agricultural sector while promoting sustainable practices that enhance food security and environmental health.
The workshop highlighted the pressing challenges within Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, which contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP and employs a substantial portion of the population. Despite its importance, the sector grapples with various issues, including a heavy reliance on conventional farming methods that have led to soil degradation and reduced biodiversity.
The introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has raised concerns about public health risks, threats to sovereignty, food control and environmental impacts, while the widespread use of synthetic pesticides threatens both human health and local ecosystems. Furthermore, Nigeria’s agricultural products often face rejection in international markets due to non-compliance with safety standards, underscoring the urgent need for improved agricultural practices that align with global safety regulations.
Climate vulnerability looms large over Nigeria’s agriculture, as the sector heavily depends on rain-fed systems, making it susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change such as droughts and flooding. With less than 1% of cultivated land under irrigation, farmers are increasingly at risk of losing their livelihoods to erratic weather patterns. Insecurity has further compounded these challenges, disrupting farming activities and forcing many farmers to abandon their lands. Additionally, post-harvest losses remain alarmingly high – estimated at around 50% for fruits and vegetables – due to inadequate storage and processing facilities.
The workshop underscored the importance of organic agriculture and agroecology as pivotal solutions for achieving food security in Nigeria and environmental restoration. The National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) for 2022-2027 emphasises organic agriculture’s role in enhancing food security through resilient local food production systems. These practices not only support biodiversity conservation but also promote better health outcomes by providing chemical-free food options. The NATIP advocates for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) that include organic farming techniques aimed at increasing productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Mr. Ikenna Donald Ofoegbu from Heinrich Böll Foundation while sharing the above reality, addressed the economic challenges faced by farmers, emphasising that high food inflation and reliance on imported inputs hinder progress in organic farming and agroecology. He advocated for government intervention through financial support mechanisms such as low-interest loans and grants specifically tailored for farmers willing to transition to more sustainable nature-based farm methods. His remarks highlighted a consensus among participants regarding the necessity of supportive policies that facilitate access to resources for smallholder farmers.
Throughout the day, participants engaged actively, sharing insights and experiences that enriched discussions. Prof. Olugbenga O. AdeOluwa from the University of Ibadan presented compelling data on the current state of organic agriculture in Nigeria. He pointed out that despite its potential benefits, there is still a low level of adoption due to a lack of awareness among farmers about organic practices. His call for increased education and training resonated with many attendees who recognised that knowledge is crucial for transforming agricultural practices across the country.
Dr. Koffi Emmanuel Gle from ECOWAS echoed these sentiments, stressing that sustainable agriculture must be prioritised not only in Nigeria but across West Africa. He emphasised that agroecological practices are essential for supporting smallholder farmers who are often most affected by climate change impacts and economic instability. His commitment to promoting these practices through regional initiatives was met with enthusiasm from attendees who recognised the interconnectedness of agricultural challenges across borders.
The workshop also featured contributions from representatives of various farmer cooperatives and civil society groups who shared their success stories in adopting organic farming techniques. They spoke about how transitioning to agroecological practices not only improved their yields but also enhanced their market access as consumers increasingly demand organic products. Their testimonies served as powerful examples of how grassroots movements can drive change within local communities.
As discussions unfolded throughout the day, it became clear that organic agriculture and agroecology present significant opportunities for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. These practices not only promote sustainable food production but also offer economic benefits by enabling farmers to access premium markets both locally and internationally. Moreover, they contribute to environmental preservation by reducing carbon footprints and enhancing ecosystem services.
A significant outcome of the workshop was the validation of Standards for Organic and Agroecological Farming in Nigeria. Participants engaged in thorough discussions that led to clear implementation strategies designed to support these standards across various agricultural practices throughout the country. This validation marks a critical step forward in establishing a framework that not only guides farmers but also aligns with global organic certification requirements.
In conclusion, the National Stakeholders Workshop served as a crucial platform for advancing organic agriculture and agroecology in Nigeria. The outcomes from this event are expected to shape future agricultural policies that align with sustainable development goals while mitigating the threats posed by conventional farming practices.
To realise these aspirations fully, it is imperative that all stakeholders commit to collaborative efforts aimed at implementing effective strategies that will ensure a resilient agricultural system capable of meeting the needs of Nigeria’s growing population while safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
