Organic farming might seem hard but here's the catch

The government has been challenged to promote the use of non-synthetic (non-chemical) fertilisers and pesticides in farming.

Speaking recently during a conference on agroecology held from June 18 to June 21, stakeholders said the use of synthetic (chemical) fertilisers and pesticides has contributed to high soil acidity and spread of diseases like cancer and diabete.

The four-day conference focused on reducing negative effects of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, promoting the uptake of agroecological practices and scaling up regional ecological trade.

“There are other options that we can use in our agricultural and food systems so that we can increase food production and enable farmers and consumers respond to the challenges we are experiencing today,” said David Amudavi, Executive Director of Biovision Africa Trust.

“Some of the options are natural systems like agroforestry where we can use fruit trees - some are by integrating them in our cropping systems. Others are legumes in nature, which can improve the organic matter, microrganisms and improve soil fertility and thus increase crop productivity,” added Amudavi.

Other alternatives, he said, are compost manure, a rich source of fertiliser that should be encouraged. This means livestock farming should be integrated into crop management systems.

On pesticides, Amudavi said there are many bio-based products that can be used to control different kinds of pests in fruits and crops.

“A lot of research has been done on bio-based products and we would like to see more of such being used because we know the effects of synthetic pesticides on health and environment,” said Amudavi. 

An estimated 3.5 billion kilogrammes of pesticides are applied to crops each year.

The use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has been linked to various environmental and health problems.

According to the UN, 90 per cent of synthetic pesticide fatalities come from developing countries and the estimated costs from synthetic pesticide poisonings in sub-Saharan Africa now exceed the total annual overseas development aid to Africa for basic health services.

By 2020, if not curbed, the accumulated cost of illness and injury linked to pesticides in small-scale farming in sub-Saharan Africa could reach Sh900 billion.

Dr Peter Mokaya, an anti-GMO campaigner and Executive Director of Organic Consumers Alliance said the country cannot achieve food security without food safety.

“The synthetics pesticides have contents of mercury, copper among other chemicals and if people eat food that is not safe, this will lead to an increase in diseases like cancers, diabetes, and depression among others. If we are serious about the Big Four agenda, we must address the issue of chemicals in food so that we address the issues around Universal Health Care, another Agenda Four pillar,” said Dr Mokaya.