By Vincent Kalu
The Deputy Dean, College of Agricultural Economics, Rural Sociology and Extension (CAERSE) at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, Dr Blessing Ada Ahamefule, has called for the urgent implementation of robust national policies and increased funding to drive the growth of organic agriculture and agro ecology in Nigeria.
Speaking at a panel during the Technical Workshop and Organic Fair organised by the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN) in Lagos, Dr. Ahamefule likened the policy to the engine of a vehicle, cautioning that without it, the growth and development of organic agriculture in Nigeria will remain stunted.
She emphasised the importance of grassroots education, farmer training on post-harvest handling and certification, as well as stronger coordination among stakeholders.
While acknowledging the progress made with the current draft of the National Organic Agriculture Policy, she noted that it still lacks the depth to address the sector’s core challenges and requires refinement.
On the regulatory front, Mrs. Obianwu, a representative of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), revealed that SON’s National Technical Committee on Organic Farming, established in 2024, was working on tailored standards for organic agriculture. These standards are to be ratified during SON’s next general assembly.
Meanwhile, a Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Mrs. Janet Ijoh, disclosed that a preliminary draft of the national organic policy, developed with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), has been submitted to the National Council on Agriculture for review.
Contributing, the Managing Director of NICERT Group, Annabel Kamuche underlined the role of certification and standards in market access, while Mr. Adetiloye Aiyeola, CEO of PEDA Africa, called for deeper integration of Nigerian organic products into international markets. Dr. Umar, a member of the National Organic Policy Review Committee, emphasised the importance of a coherent policy landscape to support these goals.