Organic farming can’t feed Nigeria’s growing population – AFAN
The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has advised that while organic farming practices offer nutritional and environmental benefits, they are insufficient on their own to meet Nigeria’s fast-growing food demands.
Speaking with reporters in Lagos, the Southwest and Lagos State Chairman of AFAN, Mr. Femi Oke, stressed that Nigeria’s increasing population and the recent surge in food inflation make it impractical to rely solely on organic farming techniques for food security.
Oke explained that although organic farming methods promote soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability by avoiding synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their lower yield rates and longer production cycles present challenges when scaled against Nigeria’s urgent food supply needs.
“Organic farming is good, but it cannot cater to the needs of food security presently in Nigeria,” he stated.
Oke urged Nigeria to explore a mix of modern farming systems that have proven effective in developed countries. He highlighted technologies such as hydroponics, aquaponics, biotechnology, and climate-smart agriculture as complementary systems that can significantly boost productivity and resilience.
While acknowledging that many small-scale Nigerian farmers still practice forms of organic agriculture by default, Oke reiterated the importance of integrating innovative technologies to enhance yield, reduce food inflation, and secure national food systems.
Source: Vanguard
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The AFAN position points to a critical reality in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape: achieving food security requires a pragmatic balance between sustainability and productivity.
- For Policymakers: Diversified Agricultural Models Are Essential
Solely advocating for organic farming in a country grappling with population growth of over 2.5% annually would strain food systems. Policymakers should promote an inclusive model that supports:
– Organic farming for niche, high-value markets.
– Climate-smart agriculture for broad-based food security.
– Biotechnology to improve resilience and yields.Investment policies should prioritize adaptable systems that address different crop types, regional ecologies, and market needs.
- For Farmers: Integrated Farming Systems Offer the Best of Both Worlds
Farmers should be encouraged to adopt integrated models—e.g., combining organic practices with precision farming technologies, hydroponics, or improved seed varieties. This hybrid approach ensures soil health is preserved without compromising yield targets essential for market competitiveness. - For Agritech Companies: Opportunities to Scale Controlled-Environment Agriculture
The mention of hydroponics and aquaponics by AFAN signals emerging acceptance of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) models. Agritech startups should position themselves to offer affordable, scalable solutions to farmers, particularly in urban and peri-urban zones where land pressure is highest. - For Food and Nutrition Advocates: Organic Farming for Premium and Export Markets
Rather than seeing organic farming as a tool for mass food security, stakeholders should develop it as a premium niche—targeting health-conscious consumers and export markets. This can create additional revenue streams for farmers while supporting broader national food system goals. - For Donors and Development Partners: Focus on Knowledge Transfer and Smart Subsidies
There is a clear need for investment in farmer education on climate-smart technologies and sustainable intensification practices. Subsidizing technologies like hydroponic starter kits, biofortified seeds, and solar-powered irrigation could achieve faster food system resilience than purely promoting organic conversions.
Conclusion: A Pragmatic, Technology-Enabled Future for Nigeria’s Food Security
Organic farming retains an important role, particularly for health, environment, and export-focused initiatives. However, Nigeria’s food security challenge demands scaling climate-smart innovations and diversified farming systems that blend tradition with technology. The path to feeding Africa’s most populous nation will require strategic adaptability, not ideological rigidity.
