BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Experts in the agriculture sector have revealed that upscaling organic and agroecology practices is essential for healthy living in Nigeria.
This was the crux of a zoom seminar organised by the Organic and Agroecology Initiative (ORAIN) in collaboration with Organic and Agroecology Innovation Platform (OAIP), and Journalists Go Organic Initiative.
The theme of the symposium was: "Demand for Organic and Agroecological Produce and Products in Nigeria: Calling for Supply."
Convener of Journalists Go Organic Initiative, Mrs Ebere Agozie, who was one of the discussants called for caution when purchasing consumables, noting that people are unwittingly serving deadly meals to families.
"Its unfortunate that some of us, especially women, poison the families with every meal served as most of the farm produce purchased are laced with toxins.
"Most chemicals used by farmers are killing Nigerians daily. Even when people try to use herbs to cure sicknesses they still run into trouble because those herbs are also contaminated’’.
Recalling how she was hospitalised for three days after consuming vegetables suspected to have been cultivated with chemical fertilizers, Agozie called for stringent punishment for importers and sellers of the poisonous chemicals.
"Many studies have shown that exposure to various environmental pollutants such as pesticides is associated with increasing cases of cancer and solid tumours, particularly among individuals with occupational exposure, such as agricultural workers.
"A study by Heinrich Boll Foundation had revealed that some hazardous pesticides banned in Europe are being used in Nigeria, thereby leaving their toxic residues on farm produce.
"Nigeria, along with other low and middle income countries, has become a dumping ground for big Europe-based agrochemical companies exporting banned toxic pesticides for profit at the risk of lives and the environment.
"Then, you should ask yourself, why don’t they consume what they produce?," she added.
Agozie urged Nigerians to be wise when purchasing for their families and averred that the practice of organic and agroecology is a win-win situation.
She said: "The good thing is that Nigerians are beginning to take care of their health by the increase in the demand for organic produce in the country.
"At our Abuja Organic Market, our vendors cannot even produce enough for our customers, this is part of the reason we want more farmers to come on board.
"We should all help in our own little ways. If we all farm organic, even in our backyards, those who sell those deadly chemicals would have lost our patronage.
"Same goes for those who farm with synthetic fertilizers. But as long as we continue to patronise them, they will continue to thrive."
Agozie reiterated that organic and agroecology practices ensure that one eats healthy and stays healthy and can never go wrong with them.
"They put healthy food on our table and as well put plenty of money in our bank accounts.
"They do not only ensure food sufficiency but are also effective in the restoration of our health, and that of the environment.
"Something can be sufficient and not efficient but organic and agroecology practices are all encompassing, so let us go back to what our fore fathers used to do because they lived longer and healthier’’.
"Consumer perceptions of quality and safety, as well as environmental impact of organic agricultural practices are factors driving the demand for organic products in Nigeria.
"There's a growing awareness of the benefits of organic and sustainable products, particularly in the natural cosmetics market," she said.
Another discussant, Director of Health Services, University of Ibadan, Dr Aderonke Ajav noted that consumers are increasingly prioritising food safety, environmental concern, and health consciousness when making purchasing decisions.
She called for produce promotion and collaborations between farmers, academia, media, and government policies to help enhance the benefits of organic produce.
Professor of Soil Fertility, University of Ibadan, Olugbenga AdeOluwa, who moderated the symposium added that farmers need to be trained and certified in organic farming practices to meet the growing demand.
He said: "Nigerian producers are seeking ways to expand the export as consumers pay more attention to health.
"Nigeria has been making money producing organically grown crops for European markets, where demand for healthier food has been rapidly growing."
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