"In developing countries, UNDP (1992) concluded that organic farming methods seem able to provide similar outputs, with less external resources, supplying a similar income per labour day as high input conventional approaches. Studies show increases in output where local farmers adopt organic farming systems, reaching levels similar to those of high input systems."
Before the 19th century, most food in the world was organically produced using human and animal manure. Agricultural revolution began in England when a horse-drawn hoe and seed drill were invented in the early 19th century. In the mid-19th century, super phosphate fertiliser was manufactured. The first tractor with internal combustion engine was invented in the USA in 1910. At about the same time, a German chemist developed a process which led to the manufacture of nitrogen fertiliser. Nitrogen fertiliser was needed in large amounts to benefit from the discovery of high-yielding hybrid maize.
In 1939, DDT was discovered to have insecticidal properties. This was followed by discovery of BHC in France and UK. Selective herbicides were developed. Nitrophenols were the first group of herbicides developed in 1933, followed by 2,4-D and MCPA in the 1940s. By the middle of the 20th century, most components of modern agriculture, ie. tractors, farm machines, fertiliser, agrochemicals, hybrid seed, were in use in the developed world. The increased agricultural output with no net increase in cultivated area in post 1960s was a result of increased use of modern agriculture, namely: fertiliser, pesticides and farm machinery and this has helped to alleviate hunger in the developed world.
Nevertheless, overuse of pesticides, especially in vegetables and fruits resulted in residues above safety levels and brought to the attention the ill-effects of modern agriculture. Drinking water was not spared. The ill-effects of over-use of nitrogen fertiliser was recognised in Europe and USA. These were nitrate enrichment of ground water and rivers and release of ammonia and nitrous oxide to the atmosphere. The former added to the problem of acid rain while the latter led to reduction in the ozone layer. These ill-effects of modern agriculture forced people in rich countries to demand food grown without fertilisers.
The roots of organic farming can be traced back to 1927 when a movement for agricultural reform was formed following Christian concepts of land stewardship and preservation of family farms. By using crop rotation, soil fertility was maintained. In 1947, a soil and health foundation was formed in the USA that was to study production of healthy crops and livestock while maintaining healthy and fertile soils and to link farm produce to health and nutrition.
The formation of an International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) in 1972 gave an international framework for discussion and codification of internationally recognised principles of organic farming. Locally, Zambia has Organic Producers and Processors Association of Zambia (OPPAZ) affiliated to IFOAM.
Organic farming requires certification by accredited agencies and the cost is high for small farmers. The steps involved in certification are: registration of producers and processing industries, provision of basic information on crop and farm, inspection and verification of the field and processing unit, inspection of production methods and practices by certifying agency.
A transition period of 2-3 years is required during which no inorganic fertiliser and agrochemicals are used on the farm before which produce can be marketed. Crop yields during transition period are low and farmers intending on going into organic farming suffer loss.
Although myths of better taste, improved quality and higher nutritive values of organically grown foods have been argued, they appear to lack scientific basis. However, organically produced foods are a multi-billion dollar trade globally.
What is preventing farmers from going into organic farming? Crop yields are commonly 20-40 per cent lower in organic systems compared with modern agricultural systems. Although, domestic food demand could be met with organic methods, food would be more expensive.
It should be recognised that the high yields from modern agriculture are a result of 50 years or more of research with budgets running into billions of dollars from both public and private sectors in northern agriculture. Organic agriculture has not had that kind of funding for research into increasing productivity and maintaining the environment.
In any case, yield reductions with organic farming do not apply to resource-poor farmers. Resource poor farmers in Zambia are unable to afford purchased inputs such as fertiliser, pesticides, farm equipment. For these, information-intensive, agro-ecosystem management approaches which characterise organic farming may be the only road to achieve production increases that they cannot currently achieve.
Although it is said that it is possible to feed double the current global population only if we continue to intensify production through increased use of fertilisers, energy, bio-technology it is clear that the pressures on some of these resources, particularly water, and the negative environmental impacts of intensive input use on soil, water and air quality, this is not a sustainable option. What is needed is to provide and enhance skills and knowledge in organic farming. Research in organic agriculture must develop the tools necessary for understanding complex interactions at different systems levels.
Research must increase understanding of function and dynamics within soil microbial populations. We need to know how the functions may be modified to improve soil fertility and structure and also the disease and pest resistance of soil. Crop rotations must be refined and alternatives systems be developed. There is still much to learn about the development and use of manures and composts from on-farm and off-farm by-products.
These vary in quality but need to be more predictable in performance and better targeted for specific needs. There is an urgent need for breeding for populations or varieties adapted for organic production and livestock appropriate to organic farming. Research so far indicates that organic production levels can be similar to those from non-organic while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and can feed the world.
Policy change is needed so that emphasis and funding to research in sustainable and organic farming is increased and for its delivery to the farmer.
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