Organic farming has gained much attention in Nigeria’s constantly changing agricultural scene. Once seen as a specialised technique, it is gaining popularity due to environmental concerns, health-conscious consumers, and, perhaps most importantly, farmers looking for sustainable methods to boost yields.

But would there be a greater harvest if you went organic?

What is Organic Farming? 

Avoiding chemicals isn’t the only aspect of organic farming. It’s a comprehensive method of farming that emphasises cooperating with nature rather than opposing it. This implies the absence of artificial fertilisers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and synthetic pesticides. Instead, to improve soil quality and manage pests, organic farmers employ crop rotation, cover crops, natural compost, and beneficial insects.

We shouldn’t undervalue the fact that this approach frequently incorporates traditional knowledge that has been passed down through the centuries in Nigeria.

Organic farming is frequently criticised for producing less than traditional methods. This story is changing, though. According to several studies, including a report from Civil Eat by Doug Gurian, organic farming can match or surpass conventional yields under the correct circumstances, particularly in the long run.

Organic methods can naturally restore soil fertility in Nigeria’s tropical climate, where abuse of synthetic chemicals and soil deterioration have grown widespread. Over time, this regeneration results in more resilient and productive farms, not just healthier crops.

Soil Health

In contrast, organic farming treats the soil as a living ecosystem, with compost and green manure feeding not only the plants but also the microbes that keep the soil productive. Many Nigerian farmers face declining yields due to poor soil, which has been left dry and depleted by decades of chemical fertiliser use without replenishing organic matter.

Organic Consumers Alliance executive director in Kenya, Peter Mokaya,  once said, “It is unfortunate that the overuse of chemical fertilizers that were supposed to improve farm yields continue to degrade our lands and makes agriculture not really profitable for farmers, and in some cases leading to a situation where lands are affected by advanced degradation, posing a danger to the food we eat,”

Organic Farming: An Investment or Expense? 

Organic inputs, like compost or neem-based pesticides, are frequently less expensive or locally sourced. However, switching to organic farming may result in a short-term decrease in yield as the soil adjusts and pests become less of a problem. Still, the long-term savings are substantial: fewer inputs required over time, fewer pest problems, and premium market prices. Nigeria’s expanding middle class is also actively looking for chemical-free produce, so gold is in that green.

In a country where food safety is a rising concern, organic farming also promises healthier produce. Crops grown without synthetic chemicals are less likely to contain harmful residues. For rural farming families, this means safer food and fewer health risks from pesticide exposure, a point often overlooked in discussions about yield.

How Safe Are Organic Crops from Pests?

Organic doesn’t mean defenceless. Techniques like intercropping, natural pest repellents (e.g., neem oil), and beneficial insects are proving effective. While these may require more observation and effort than spraying synthetic chemicals, they can reduce crop loss without harming the ecosystem.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a core part of organic farming. It encourages farmers to understand pest behaviour and make informed, low-impact interventions. It’s farming with intelligence, not just inputs.

Many Nigerian farmers remain unaware of organic techniques or lack access to training. But this is changing. NGOs, cooperatives, and government programmes are beginning to bridge the knowledge gap. Platforms like the Nigerian Organic Agriculture Network (NOAN) offer workshops, seed banks, and market linkages.

For organic farming to scale up, education and access to localised knowledge must become a national priority.

Can Organic Farming Increase Your Harvest?

Yes, but in a sustainable way. Although they might not show up immediately, organic farming has genuine benefits. The goal is to develop long-term productivity, soil vitality, and economic resilience rather than to achieve a miraculous overnight boost.

Organic farming offers Nigerian farmers, who are prepared to embrace agroecological knowledge and capitalise on growing consumer demand, a bountiful harvest of opportunities and crops.

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