Stakeholders in the agricultural sector – women farmers, youths, as well as the Lagos State Government have recommended the consumption of organic food as against chemical aided crops that are injurious to the body.

According to them, the country is currently facing growing challenges around food security, especially land degradation and climate change, which can only be tackled by agroecology that offers a holistic and sustainable approach to agriculture.

The stakeholders who disclosed this at a Seminar that brought together sector players like the Association of Organic Agricultural Practitioners of Nigeria, Inspired Youth Network, as well as Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, with the theme: “Strengthening the Network of Actors for the Promotion of Agroecology in Lagos State,” and organised by ActionAid in Lagos, said crops planted with different chemicals that are anti-bodies had led to diseases, including cancer.

The Chairman, Association of Organic Agricultural Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter and Managing Director, Eweko Integrated Services, Saheed Adams, said it is not enough to consume food, but very vital to ensure that the right food is consumed because food consumption are specifically meant for the development of immune systems. He also noted that at different ages, there are different foods that are required for the body and it becomes imperative that organic foods are consumed.

“Organic food is not something that has to be a choice but must be readily available not just for the wealthy, but also for the common man. We are therefore calling on the government to continue to push for subsidies in organic inputs and also support in terms of finance and environment that promote organic production,” he said.

On his part, the Climate Change Justice Advisor, ActionAid International, Friday Ogezi, said it has become imperative to build networks on producer-consumer of agroecology. He added that promotion of organic food would involve getting every hand on deck while the government is intentional in terms of funding agroecology.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Lagos State, Abisola Olusanya, represented by the Deputy Director, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, agreed that most of the food are causing death, heart and kidney diseases because they are planted with chemicals, while organic foods would ensure long and healthy life.

She disclosed that the government would be ready to support and encourage large scale farming by giving needed inputs at reasonable prices to start off through the Lagos Agricultural Input Supply Agency (LAISA), as she believes that agriculture would contribute to the economy.

The Executive Director, Inspired Youth Nigeria, Ayomikun Olugbode said collaboration of different stakeholders, where agroecology offers numerous opportunities for youth would create a more sustainable future for communities and environment.