The Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN) has emphasised the need for proactiveness in the development of solid food systems and its sustainability in the country, in view of the enormous potential in organic agriculture.
They also highlighted the capability of organic agriculture to disrupt the “cycle of poverty” through its long value chain and ecological benefits, urging innovation to scale solutions.
These were part of the resolutions contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Organic Fair, Technical Workshop and 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of NOAN, held in Lagos, with the theme: “Innovative Organic Food System for National Development.”
While advocating innovation and best organic practices, the association recommended the use of digital marketing and resource-sharing initiatives to train more farmers and provide necessary tools, noting that education is a key driver for creating awareness about available practices in organic and ecological agriculture. “Government should put in place policies to improve free trade among certain countries and Nigerian farmers.
“There is need for organic market development and trade opportunities for organic products. This can be achieved through the adoption of agro ecology training on digital marketing, creation of networks for wholesale of organic produce, establishment of more physical markets, advocacy for prime prices for organically produced farm produces and training of producers on export to create wealth among the farmers.
“A statement on policy development should be developed and promoted, through a participatory and inclusive approach, while the Federal Government, farmers, researchers, and all value chain actors should create a reference framework that takes into account the peculiarities of each agricultural zones of the federation.”
The communiqué also suggested empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities with knowledge and skills on organic agriculture, with particular emphasis on capacity building and funding opportunities.
Also emphasized was the importance of directly engaging farmers through mentorship, leadership training programmes, youth-targeted initiatives to ensure sustainable agricultural businesses in organic agricultural systems for long-term success.
The use of demonstration farms, cooperative empowerment, and organising programmes for schools, as well as fostering farmer-to-farmer knowledge exchange, was also recommended for improved access to equipment and funding, while calling on the government to drive nationwide awareness and support for smallholder certification.
With over 250 participants drawn from all the value chain actors in the country, the three-day event focused on sub-themes like innovation and best organic practices; organic market development and trade opportunities for organic products; policy and regulator frameworks for supporting organic agriculture; organic food systems, human health, nutrition and environmental benefits; empowering smallholder farmers and rural communities through organic agriculture; and scaling up urban farming for sustainable food production.
In his welcome address, the National President of the association, Jude C. Obi, who noted that the theme intends to capture the mood of nation, said there is hardship in every sphere of life, increased incidents of strange ailments, diseases and deaths, poverty, unemployment, adding that the production of healthy and quality food is imperative for the livelihood of the citizenry.
Obi noted that the achievement of food security is not without sustainability, which environmental degradation and climate injustice will exacerbate requiring ingenious, concerted and coordinated approach. “It is important to note that Organic agriculture and agroecology is the easiest means of distorting circle of poverty because of its characteristics and long value chain.
“Emergence of organic agriculture and agroecology inspires a vista for sustainable living. It is enshrined in creativity “innovation”. Hence, the ability to conceive, develop, deliver, and scale products, services, processes, and business models is emphasised to engender best practices in organic agriculture.
“These can thrive in the presence of properly developed market with great opportunities. The roles of policy and regulatory frameworks remain indispensable to achieving these lofty objectives for organic agriculture and agroecology,” he said.
He added that the hallmark of the principles, practices and advocacy in organic agriculture and agroecology is to ensure sustainable food system and human health for nutritional and environmental benefits. “These could be achieved through the collective process that empowers smallholder farmers and rural communities, emphasising and popularising urban production without diminishing postharvest handling. The combination these processes targets achievement of food security and probably sovereignty.”
The peak of the ceremony was the unveiling of the National Organic Label for products, as sign of certification. The unveiling was done by the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary (LSMAFS).
While the keynote addresses were presented virtually by Prof. Isaac Aiyelaagbe of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, and Dr. David Amudavi from Biovision Africa Trust (EOA – Kenya), key workshop objectives include fostering innovation, stakeholder collaboration, public awareness, network building, and policy advocacy.
Goodwill Messages were made by President of African Organic Network (AfrONet), Mr. Chariton Namuwoza, and a representative of HydroServe, Mr. Ikide Emeh, as key partners and donors.
