Organic Farming in Nigeria in the Era of Agro-Biotech and Biosafety

Abstract

In accordance with global trend, Nigeria and the rest of Africa are gradually embracing genetically modified organisms. As well, Nigeria is coming to terms with the reality and ubiquity of applications of agro-biotechnology, including its prospects both for economic advancement and for diverse associated risks. Hitherto, majority of farmers in Nigeria were organic farmers by default, a status that is now undergoing rapid transition to conventional farming not only as a result of agro-biotechnology but also as a result of recent remarkable improvements over access to agro-chemical inputs. As Nigeria embraces agro-biotechnology and transitions into conventional agriculture, organic farming status will assume a new importance as a niche. To embrace the challenge and leverage on the opportunities of Nigeria’s agricultural transition, organic farming stakeholders would need to actively penetrate the presently fluid legal regulatory space to secure organic-farming friendly policy in the country.