Food Security, Digital Innovation, and the Reasons FG and Stakeholders Charted a New Course for Organic Agriculture in Nigeria
INTRO: The FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture in Nigeria during the 2026 Technical Workshop, Organic Fair, and Annual General Meeting of the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN) held in Umuahia, Abia State, from April 22 to 24. With the theme “Harnessing organic agriculture and agroecology for climate resilience and sustainable food system,” the summit outlined concrete steps to transform the sector. Here are five key reasons why FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture.
Food Security, Digital Innovation, and the Reasons FG and Stakeholders Charted a New Course for Organic Agriculture in Nigeria
1. Strengthening Climate Resilience and Food Security: A major reason FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture is the urgent need to combat climate change, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stressed that organic agriculture and agroecology reduce chemical dependence, improve soil health, and build sustainable food systems. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa warned that agroecology is now a “national security imperative” given rising environmental threats.
2. Advancing National Policy and Strategy Implementation: The FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture by inaugurating a nine-member Technical Drafting Committee for the Nigeria Organic Agriculture Policy (NOAP). NOAN president Prof. Jude C. Obi announced plans for a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to fast-track practical interventions. The 2025 National Agroecology Strategy and Nigerian Farmers Soil Health Scheme were also highlighted as government initiatives to boost productivity and sustainability.
3. Empowering Youth and Women in Agribusiness: Another reason FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture is youth and gender inclusion. The event featured graduates from the Agroecology and Organic Leadership Course (AOLC) and the Africa Women Leaders in Agroecology (AWOLA) programme. Plans were unveiled for the ECOWAS youth employability initiative and a new cohort of female leaders, reaffirming NOAN’s commitment to women as drivers of sustainable food systems.
4. Leveraging Digital Innovation and Market Access: Digital transformation is central to why FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture. Prof. Obi disclosed plans for a digital marketplace, supported by AfrONet and the Agroecology Fund, to improve market access for organic producers. Abia State is also developing a digital agricultural database alongside credit access and extension services to help farmers transition to viable enterprises.
5. Building Strong Institutional and State-Level Partnerships: The FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture through multi-level collaboration. Abia Governor Alex Otti, represented by Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, reaffirmed commitments to regenerative farming, soil restoration, renewable energy, and circular economy practices. The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, called for strengthened institutional support and capacity-building. International partners including the African Union Commission, Biovision Africa Trust, and IFOAM Organics International were acknowledged for supporting sustainable agriculture across Africa.
Conclusion
The FG and stakeholders charted a new course for organic agriculture to position Nigeria as a regional leader in agroecology. By aligning policy, research, youth engagement, digital tools, and state programs, the 2026 NOAN summit set a roadmap for climate-smart farming, improved livelihoods, and long-term food security. With agriculture contributing about 25% of GDP and employing over 60% of the workforce, the shift to organic practices promises environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth. Participants left Umuahia with a clear mandate: deepen collaboration, drive innovation, and scale organic agriculture as Nigeria’s “Green Gold” for the future.
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