A coalition, Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN) has urged farmers across Nigeria to embrace organic and agroecological farming practices as a means to enhance food and nutrition security in the country.
Comprising various organic and agroecology organizations, ORAIN seeks to promote sustainable farming methods among farmers and the wider Nigerian community.
Agroecological farming, a sustainable approach that works in harmony with nature, involves applying ecological concepts and principles to agriculture. This method not only protects the environment but also ensures the long-term viability of food production.
During a recent Zoom discussion titled “Upscaling Organic and Agroecological Practices in Nigeria series, May 2024 Edition,” stakeholders emphasized the importance of these practices.
Mrs. Joyce Brown, Director of Programs at the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), stressed that ORAIN advocates for agroecology to safeguard the environment, achieve food security, and protect Mother Earth.
Brown called on the government to raise awareness about the economic benefits of organic and agroecological farming among the public. She highlighted that these practices are key to achieving not only food security but also food sovereignty, which involves broader issues of control over food systems.
However, she explained that promoting organic and agroecological practices is crucial because industrial agriculture poses health risks and exacerbates problems for local farmers and consumers. This includes ecosystem destruction, chemical use, loss of biodiversity, and contributing to climate change.
Brown emphasized the significance of agroecology in restoring biodiversity, enhancing food production, and building resilience to climate change.
However, ORAIN has been actively engaging with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and other stakeholders to garner support for organic agriculture and agroecology. The organization also conducts radio discussions and online campaigns to support local communities in adopting healthy and sustainable diets.
Ms. Rebecca Osewa, Founder and CEO of Yield Initiatives (UK), highlighted the mission of her organization, which is to promote organic practices and their benefits to farmers and Nigerians.
Professor Olugbenga Adeoluwa, a professor of Organic Agriculture at the University of Ibadan, emphasized the need for sustainable policies to enhance organic and agroecology farming in Nigeria.
He called for a business approach to agriculture and emphasized the importance of combining safe traditional practices with innovative scientific methods.
Furthermore, Adeoluwa urged media organizations to support organic and agroecology initiatives by providing adequate coverage and promoting awareness among the public.