1 A wealth of experience, but so far no systematic evaluation
The concept of organic agriculture builds on the efficient use of locally available
resources, and on the use of adapted technologies (e.g. soil fertility management,
closing of nutrient cycles, control of pests and diseases by means of natural
antagonists). This concept opens up new ways of achieving sustainable
development in the South and has therefore developed dynamically over the past
decade (Willer and Yussefi 2006). Organic agriculture has the potential (Kilcher
2005):
1. to improve soil fertility, biodiversity and sustainability of agricultural
production;
2. to conserve natural resources;
3. to improve agronomic and economic performance; to make yields more
stable, especially in risk-prone tropical ecosystems; to achieve better food
quality and food security;
4. to provide access to attractive markets through certified products;
5. to create new partnerships within the whole value chain as well as to
strengthen self-confidence and autonomy of the farmers.
Organic farming is the subject of extensive research in northern countries,
especially in Europe. A wide range of studies (Mäder et al. 2002, Offermann and
Nieberg 2000, Stolze et al. 2000) have demonstrated the advantageous aspects of
this system in terms of ecosystem functioning, soil fertility conservation and
economic impact. NGOs and farmers’ groups are increasingly adopting organic
techniques as a method of improving productivity and food security in these
systems. However, no systematic attempt has hitherto been made to track the
extent to which these approaches are being employed, or their effectiveness
compared to other approaches, in meeting economic, social and environmental
objectives (Parrott and Kalibwani, in: Willer and Yussefi 2006).
What and how organic farming can contribute to food security and sustainable
development in tropical countries is of particular interest for research and
development, for stakeholders in the whole value chain, and for national
authorities, as well as for national and international cooperation agencies
concerned with policy development: in view of the diminishing financial resources
available for agricultural research in development, it is important to invest in the
most sustainable and cost-efficient strategies.