Can Organic Farming Feed Africa?

"The LOMADEF experience suggests that smallholder-managed demonstration farms that show affordable technologies are very attractive to smallholder farmers."

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) study ‘Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africa.' Pg 25

The worldwide food crisis has brought about a renewed focus on agriculture, with people asking what the most appropriate solutions might be.

A range of different voices have emerged in the debate.The former chief scientist Sir David King claimed that NGO enthusiasm for organic was holding back a green revolution in Africa. Meanwhile Bob Watson's IASTAAD report emphasised the need for an agriculture that was not only productive but sustainable.

"An approach that is resistant to stress"

The case for sustainable, organic farming has been reinforced by a new study from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The study ‘Organic Agriculture and Food Security in Africa' suggests that organic farming methods are ideally suited for many poor, marginalized smallholder farmers in Africa.

"They require minimal or no external inputs, use locally and naturally available materials to produce high-quality products, and encourage a whole systemic approach to farming that is more diverse and resistant to stress." (UNEP report)

LOMADEF: A story of success

The UNEP study cites FYF partner LOMADEF as an illustration that sustainable organic farming can be a key way of ensuring the long-term food security of poor farmers.

"The first step LOMADEF took was to use compost on the fields. While surrounding farmers suffered wilted and stunted crops, the LOMADEF farm gave very conspicuous results which encouraged more farmers to take an interest."(UNEP report)

FYF is currently supporting LOMADEF to train 500 farmers in low-cost sustainable farming practices that use local resources and build on local knowledge.

By learning skills like composting, crop diversification, organic pesticide production, seed multiplication and agro-forestry farmers are increasing their ability to feed their families over the long term.

LOMADEF's important work has also recently been recognised by the Malawian government.

After a number of years of promoting subsidised fertiliser and hybrid seeds as the best way to increase harvests, the Ministry of Agriculture is now calling for the promotion of compost-making instead - and they have chosen LOMADEF's demonstration farm to launch the new scheme. 

"Things have improved so much"

Christina Gomba has been working with LOMADEF for three years. For Christina, the benefits of organic farming are clear.

"Through the project I've learnt how to make compost with manure, food waste, maize husks, leaves and other biodegradable materials. I've also learnt how to make contour ridges to conserve soil and water.

I like using compost because it's cheaper than fertiliser. The manure helps to keep the nutrients in the soil. I like to farm organically. I think it's better for the health of my family. When I compare the yields before I learnt these new techniques from LOMADEF, with yields afterwards - things have improved so much!"