Organic farming could feed Africa

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Organic farming in Africa wins over chemical methods

A major study from the United Nations Environment Program reported

that the use of organic practices in Africa produces higher yields

than farming with pesticides and fertilizers. The study of 114

projects in 24 countries found that yields often more than doubled

when organic or near-organic practices such as crop rotation and

composting were used. Organic agriculture also brought benefits to

families and communities: it encouraged the improvement of local

infrastructure like roads, built social relations in the community,

increased farmers' incomes, improved soil fertility, and increased

the land's resistance to drought. Because organic agriculture relies

on available resources rather than on expensive inputs like

genetically engineered seed or pesticides, poor farmers can more

readily implement organic methods than industrial agriculture

methods, and they can retain more earnings. The study concluded that

organic techniques are a practical way for African farmers to

achieve the crop yields they need and generate food security for the

growing population.

http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/feed/feed-november-

2008.html#4