SEEDING A REVOLUTION: Unlocking the Potential of Organic Agriculture to Drive Rural Development and Social Change in Nigeria

Perspectives with Dr. Iyke Ezeugo_

Background: A Call for Agricultural Reformation

This article is the third in a series advocating for a robust, government-led, and community-driven approach to agriculture, with a specific focus on organic farming. The objective is to prompt action at all levels of governance and within communities to promote, support, and invest in organic agriculture. Such actions are crucial to addressing Nigeria’s economic hardship, soaring food prices, and the health and security threats posed by the influx of unsafe food as the border is now open for food importation. By fostering community involvement in organic farming, Nigeria can create a more sustainable, resilient, and secure food system for all its citizens.

Seeding a Revolution: The Economic Imperative of Organic Agriculture*

As Nigeria faces mounting socioeconomic challenges, including dwindling GDP, soaring unemployment, and skyrocketing food prices, the agricultural sector—particularly organic farming—presents a critical solution. Organic agriculture, emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship, offers a path to economic revitalization, especially in rural communities. This is a call for a deeper examination of how organic farming can be effectively used to drive Nigeria’s rural development and social change, laying the foundation for a more resilient economy.

Global Examples of Organic Agriculture Success

To understand the potential of deliberate government support for rural agriculture focused on organic farming and enabling massive engagement, it is important to examine successful examples from around the world. Countries like India and Bhutan have demonstrated the economic viability of organic farming on a national scale, engineered with strategic support to small-scale farmers.

INDIA

In INDIA, the state of Sikkim transitioned to 100% organic farming in 2016, leading to significant socioeconomic benefits. By reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Sikkim not only preserved its environment but also boosted its agricultural productivity. The state witnessed a rise in crop yield by 20%, contributing to an increase in farmers’ incomes by approximately 25%. Additionally, Sikkim’s organic produce attracted premium prices in both domestic and international markets, enhancing the state’s trade balance. This shift has led to greater food security, improved public health, and has contributed to India’s GDP through the agricultural sector.

BHUTAN

Similarly, BHUTAN’S commitment to becoming the world’s first fully organic nation has positioned it as a leader in sustainable agriculture. Bhutan has seen improvements in soil fertility, water conservation, and biodiversity. Bhutan’s organic products, particularly its high-quality red rice and traditional medicinal herbs, are highly sought after in global markets, fetching premium prices. The organic farming movement in Bhutan has bolstered the economy through exports and improved the health indices of the population, with a decline in non-communicable diseases related to diet. Agriculture contributes about 15% to Bhutan’s GDP, with organic farming playing a significant role in this contribution.

These successes highlight the potential for NIGERIA to replicate similar outcomes, provided that the government and local communities commit to agricultural revolution and a robust support system for organic farming.

Aligning Organic Farming with Rural Development and Economic Empowerment

Nigeria’s vast arable land, if properly harnessed, can lead to a significant economic turnaround, especially in rural areas. For instance, Ethiopia’s focus on organic coffee farming has not only made it the largest coffee exporter in Africa but also lifted thousands of small holder farmers out of poverty. The export of organic coffee contributes over $1 billion annually to ETHIOPIA’S economy, directly impacting rural development.

Similarly, BRAZIL’S Green Rural Development Program, which includes organic farming as a core component, has improved the livelihoods of over 12 million small holder farmers. This program has increased agricultural productivity by 15%, reduced rural poverty by 25%, and added nearly $4 billion to Brazil’s GDP. Such examples demonstrate that with strategic support, organic farming can become a cornerstone of economic empowerment in Nigeria.

The potential in Nigeria is enormous, especially in states like Abia, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kebi, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kano, etc., where agriculture is a major livelihood. However, to unlock this potential, there is a critical need for government intervention to address challenges like insecurity, poor infrastructure, and lack of access to modern farming techniques and more. In areas plagued by insecurity, such as the North-East and middle belt, the government’s decisive actions to restore peace and stability will be crucial in ensuring that farmers can return to their land and engage in productive activities.

Addressing Food Security and Social Change through Organic Farming

In Nigeria, where food insecurity is a pressing issue, organic agriculture offers a sustainable solution. By focusing on crop diversity, soil health, and natural pest control, organic farming not only ensures higher yields but also enhances the nutritional value of produce. Cuba’s transition to urban organic farming in the 1990s, for example, helped the nation overcome food shortages and economic crisis, becoming a model for resilience and sustainability. Urban organic farms now produce over 60% of the fresh produce consumed in Havana, contributing significantly to the nation’s food security. This model can be adapted to Nigeria’s urban centers, where food insecurity is rising due to rapid urbanization and declining agricultural productivity.

Denmark’s success in integrating organic farming into its national food system offers another valuable lesson. Denmark now has over 11% of its total agricultural land dedicated to organic farming, the highest in the European Union. This has not only ensured a steady supply of healthy, organic food for its population but also contributed to the country’s high standards of living and strong social welfare system. By adopting organic practices, Nigeria can close the gap between rural and urban populations, create jobs across the country, curb urban-rural migration, and foster social inclusion, thereby reducing poverty and crime while enhancing national food security.

The Unique Value of Organic Farming for Nigeria

While large-scale farming programs have driven rural development in many countries, organic farming and large-scale farming are not mutually exclusive, as mechanization is not the same as chemicalization. Organic farming seeks to grow and maintain crops and animals on their original natural genetic formation, reducing or eliminating chemical fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and preservatives.

Organic farming offers unique advantages that make it particularly suited for Nigeria’s challenges. Organic agriculture enhances soil and human health, preserves biodiversity, and reduces the environmental impact of farming—essential factors for a country facing severe environmental degradation and public health challenges. Furthermore, organic farming aligns with Nigeria’s cultural and traditional practices, promoting a sense of pride and ownership among farmers and fostering a deeper connection to the land and community.

Strategic Recommendations for Nigeria

To fully leverage the potential of organic agriculture, Nigeria must adopt a strategic and multi-faceted approach. Key recommendations include:

– Establishing a National Organic Agriculture Policy: This policy should provide a clear framework for promoting and regulating organic farming, including certification processes, incentives for organic farmers, and penalties for non-compliance.

– Creating a Dedicated National Institute: This institute would focus on research, development, and the dissemination of organic farming techniques, ensuring that farmers have access to the latest innovations and best practices.

– Promoting Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations can provide the necessary funding, expertise, and infrastructure to support organic farming initiatives.

– Investing in Research and Development: The government must invest in research to develop high-yield, pest-resistant organic crops, as well as effective natural fertilizers and pest control methods.

– Launching Education and Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns should educate both farmers and consumers about the benefits of organic farming, encouraging more people to adopt these practices and choose organic products.

– Supporting Rural Infrastructure Development: Improved roads, irrigation systems, and storage facilities are essential to ensure that organic produce can reach markets in good condition and at competitive prices.

– Addressing Security Challenges in Rural Areas: The government must prioritize security in rural areas to protect farmers and their crops* from banditry and other forms of violence.

– Declaring an Agricultural Revolution: This revolution should involve substantial strategic investments directed at making organic farming a national priority, with clear, measurable goals and timelines.

A Revolutionary Path Forward

Revolutionary actions focused on promoting and enabling organic agriculture represent a powerful tool for addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges, driving rural development, and fostering social change. By adopting this strategy, Nigeria can boost its GDP, reduce poverty, and create a more sustainable and equitable future for all its citizens. Revolutionizing our agricultural sector and embracing organic farming is not just an option but a necessity for Nigeria’s long-term development. The time has come to seed a revolution in agriculture—one that prioritizes the health of the land, the well-being of the people, and the prosperity of the nation. _

Dr. Iyke Ezeugo, the author, is a researcher, social impact expert and satirist who uses his parody and perspectives to provide profound insights on public affairs, sparking meaningful conversations and debates. Through his works, he challenges the status quo, promotes critical thinking, and inspires fresh perspectives on contemporary issues.