SOIL, SOUL, and SOCIETY: The Interconnected Benefits of Organic Agriculture for a Nation’s Well-being
Perspectives with Dr. Iyke Ezeugo
In a world grappling with simultaneous crises in public health, environmental degradation, and escalating food insecurity, compounded by the fluidity of leadership, policy oscillation, and citizens’ trust—a complex scenario akin to a Navier-Stokes equation, rethinking agricultural practices has never been more essential. One pivotal approach to this rethinking is the shift toward organic agriculture — a method rooted in principles of sustainability, biodiversity, and natural balance. Organic agriculture emphasizes the use of natural processes over synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), favoring crops and animals that thrive in their natural forms. As we close this series on the value of organic farming, this final installment delves into the multi-dimensional benefits organic agriculture brings to SOIL, SOUL, and SOCIETY. While previous articles in this series emphasized agricultural revolution as a response to food insecurity and economic challenges, this article principally hones in on organic agriculture as a blueprint for preserving the soil, enhancing individual well-being (the soul), and securing the future of society. The next few articles will explore the vital aspect of food safety, underscoring the unique advantages of organic farming and allied measures compared to conventional agricultural methods.
Given how it’s presented and perceived in most places, there seems to be a blurry line between GMOs and ‘improved high-yielding seeds or species.’ It is essential, therefore, to distinguish between genetically modified seeds and improved seedlings or species. While GMOs are often bred through the direct manipulation of an organism’s DNA in ways that would not occur naturally, improved seedlings can be developed through selective or cross-breeding and other natural methods without altering the genetic code. Understanding this distinction is crucial as we advocate for safe and sustainable agricultural practices. An in-depth appreciation of the difference between improved, non-GMO seedlings and GMOs, and also between chemicalization and mechanization, can encourage farmers to adopt these sustainable options without misunderstanding the role of modern agricultural technology.
A dedicated government-funded agricultural institution is in a better position to provide this support without compromise to farmers, in the form of public education and enlightenment programs targeted at interested smallholders and rural farmers.
Soil: The Foundation of Life
The health of the soil is foundational to all living systems. A nation’s agricultural health is tied directly to the vitality of its soil, which sustains crops, livestock, and human populations. Organic agriculture fundamentally emphasizes soil conservation and regeneration. By prioritizing compost, manure, crop rotation, and natural pest control, organic farming promotes higher levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), which is crucial for sustaining soil fertility and long-term productivity.
Conventional farming methods often degrade the soil through over-reliance on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and monoculture practices. These methods strip the soil of its nutrients, reducing its ability to sustain healthy crop growth. Conversely, organic practices not only enhance biological diversity but also help in carbon sequestration, mitigating the impacts of climate change. For instance, research in Mediterranean regions has shown that organic farms exhibit significant increases in SOC, bolstering soil health and reducing erosion. These methods ensure soil sustainability for future generations, reducing the need for harmful chemicals that contribute to soil degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Non-GMO Seedling Improvement Methods
One of the benefits of improved, non-GMO seedlings lies in their ability to produce higher yields, resist diseases and reproduce without the need for genetic modification. Several non-GMO techniques have proven effective in improving crop varieties for resilience, yield, and nutritional value. These include:
Traditional Crossbreeding:
New Rice for Africa (NERICA), a hybrid variety developed by the Africa Rice Center using crossbreeding techniques, is a prime example of improving yields and resilience through traditional methods. NERICA combines traits from African and Asian rice varieties to enhance drought resistance and produce higher yields. Importantly, this was achieved without genetic modification.
Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS):
This technique allows breeders to select plants that have desirable traits more quickly and accurately by identifying specific genetic markers linked to those traits. This method does not alter the genetic code but enhances natural breeding processes. An example is the development of Striga-resistant maize in sub-Saharan Africa, which has been improved using MAS to withstand the parasitic weed Striga, without resorting to GMO technology.
Mutation Breeding:
This technique involves exposing seeds to certain ‘safe’ chemicals or radiation to create beneficial mutations. Though this sounds extreme, it is non-GMO, as the genetic structure is not modified artificially. Shakti rice, developed in India and known for its short-duration maturity and high yield, is a result of mutation breeding, producing significant improvements in production without genetic engineering.
These are a few examples that highlight how non-GMO improved seedlings can achieve robust agricultural productivity and sustainability while avoiding the controversies surrounding genetic modification.
Soul: The Health of the People
The state of the soil has a direct bearing on the well-being of the people. Healthy soil means healthy crops, and healthy crops mean healthy people. Organic agriculture promotes food purity, avoiding the chemical contaminants common in conventional farming. This is particularly relevant to Nigeria, where the overuse of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has led to widespread contamination of food and water supplies, posing serious public health risks. Chemicals like atrazine and glyphosate, staples in conventional agriculture, have been linked to an array of health issues ranging from hormonal imbalances to cancer.
The rise in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions can be traced to the increased consumption of chemically tainted foods. A comprehensive study published in JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that regular consumption of organic food was associated with a 25% reduction in cancer risk. Such findings underscore the importance of organic agriculture in improving public health. By eliminating the use of harmful chemicals, organic farming helps prevent the contamination of both food and water, ensuring that individuals consume purer, healthier produce.
In a country like Nigeria, where access to healthcare is limited, preventing disease through better dietary choices is a practical and necessary approach. Organic agriculture not only helps eliminate harmful toxins but also ensures that crops retain their original nature and full nutritional value, offering a healthier, more nourishing food source for the population. The connection between the health of the soil and the health of the population is inextricable: when the soil is pure, so too is the food it produces, and the blood of those who live on the food.
Furthermore, the issue of GMOs in human health has sparked global debate. Critics of GMOs, including organizations like Greenpeace, have raised concerns over potential long-term health risks, arguing that most of the GMOs have not been tested adequately for long-term consumption effects. Although some studies report that GMOs are safe, several nations—including many in the European Union—have adopted the precautionary principle and restrict or ban GMO cultivation; after all it’s better to err on the side of caution. This cautious approach aligns with the growing global trend of promoting organic and non-GMO agriculture as a more sustainable and safer pathway for future food security. It’s in this secondary school classroom that we are waiting to hear Nigeria shout “Present Sir!” with its full chest lift up in response to the call.
Society: Prosperity and Joy
A prosperous society is one that enjoys physical health, economic stability, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. Organic agriculture has the potential to bring about this kind of holistic prosperity by fostering sustainable livelihoods, protecting the environment, and ensuring food security. In Nigeria, organic farming presents a promising path to address pressing issues such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and public health crises.
An inspiring example of the power of organic agriculture can be found in the state of Sikkim in India, which became the first fully organic farming region in the world. The adoption of organic practices not only improved the health and safety of food but also revitalized the local economy, increased biodiversity, and enhanced overall community well-being. This demonstrates the broader social benefits of organic farming: by eliminating harmful chemicals, organic agriculture promotes long-term agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and social harmony.
In other African countries like Uganda and Ethiopia, where organic farming has been more widely adopted, smallholder farmers have experienced greater food security and increased income. Organic farming not only shields communities from the health risks associated with conventional farming but also increases their resilience to climate change, offering a pathway to sustainable development.
For Nigeria, embracing organic farming could be a catalyst for widespread economic and social transformation. Organic farming offers a solution not just to individual health problems but also to national issues of poverty, unemployment, and rural underdevelopment.
The Nigerian Context: A Call to Action
Nigeria is at a crossroads. The nation faces mounting challenges in terms of food safety, environmental degradation, and public health. As food prices soar and food safety becomes a pressing concern, there is a growing recognition that conventional agriculture, with its heavy reliance on synthetic chemicals, is unsustainable.
Unfortunately, many Nigerian farmers are unaware of the dangers posed by these practices. Misinformed or poorly incentivized, they continue to use some unsafe “improved high-yield seeds” and chemical inputs, often encouraged by merchants or scientists with vested interests. It is critical to differentiate between genetically modified seeds and improved seeds developed through natural, non-GMO methods. With proper education, effective support and incentives, farmers can adopt sustainable, improved seed varieties that enhance yields while protecting soil and human health.
The Nigerian government must take decisive action to regulate the use of synthetic chemicals and GMO products, following the example of countries like Germany and Denmark, which have implemented policies to support organic farming. Such policies include subsidies, public awareness campaigns, and stringent regulations on chemical use and GMO evaluation and cultivation.
Moreover, international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have raised concerns about the overuse of agricultural chemicals and their impact on the environment and public health. They advocate for a more sustainable approach to farming, including organic agriculture and agroecological practices. The FAO, in particular, supports policies that minimize synthetic chemical use, recognizing the risks associated with pesticide overuse and contamination of food supplies.
Overall, the Interconnected Benefits of Organic Agriculture
The interconnectedness between Soil, Soul, and Society reflects the comprehensive benefits of organic farming. By preserving soil health, we protect human health and ensure a prosperous, sustainable future for society. Organic agriculture is more than a solution for food security; it is a strategy for promoting public health, environmental sustainability, and social stability.
As Nigeria seeks to navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, organic agriculture is the key to achieving these goals, and it must be embraced as the foundation of Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. Food safety, public health, and socioeconomic stability are all inextricably linked to the purity of the soil, the health of the people, and the strength of society.
Dr. Iyke Ezeugo is a Forensic Researcher, Social Impact Expert, and Satirist who uses his perspectives and parodies to challenge the status quo, spark debates, and inspire fresh perspectives on public affairs through insightful intellectual injections.
