News in brief:
– 15 organic inspectors were trained in Abuja to certify and enhance organic farming practices in Nigeria.
– The initiative supports organic market growth, improving both local consumption and export opportunities.
In a recent development towards encouraging organic farming in Nigeria, 15 new organic inspectors have been trained in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This initiative, driven by the KCO Knowledge Centre for Agriculture, aims to ensure that organic produce meets high standards of certification, benefiting both local and international markets.
The week-long training was part of a broader effort to enhance the production and sale of quality organic farm produce across Nigeria. Organic farming is a method that avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, focusing instead on natural processes and materials to cultivate crops. This method is considered healthier for both the environment and consumers, making it a growing trend globally.
Role of the inspectors
These inspectors, trained as “core multipliers,” will not only certify organic farms but also educate other farmers on organic practices. Dr. Saidat Shonoiki, a master trainer and FCT coordinator for the National Association of Organic Practitioners of Nigeria (NAON), explained that they would return to their communities to share their knowledge, promoting wider adoption of organic farming techniques.
Organic certification verifies that a farm meets specific organic standards, usually related to the avoidance of synthetic chemicals and the use of sustainable practices. This certification is crucial for farmers who wish to market their produce as organic, both locally and internationally.
The training is expected to significantly impact the organic market in Abuja, where an organised organic market was recently established. Certified organic produce can now be more readily available to consumers, increasing both local consumption and export opportunities for Nigerian farmers.
The big picture
Organic farming is crucial to improving food systems worldwide. Mrs. Mercy Nnana, a trainee and secretary of Smallscale Women Farmers in Nigeria (SOWFAN), highlighted that agriculture is closely tied to the health of a nation’s citizens. By ensuring that more farms adhere to organic standards, the overall quality of food available in Nigeria can be enhanced, contributing to better public health outcomes.
This initiative in Abuja is not just a local achievement; it is part of a global movement towards more sustainable and health-conscious farming practices. Organic certification is a key component in accessing international markets, where demand for organic products is on the rise. By training inspectors, Nigeria is positioning itself to meet this demand, benefiting its farmers and contributing to the global organic food supply.
