As two million tonnes of pesticides are sprayed globally each year, Nigeria faces its share of the toxic fallout largely from Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), notorious for their deadly health effects and ecological destruction. But a quiet revolution is stirring. From farmers’ fields to policy roundtables, a growing coalition of advocates is calling for a national shift to organic, biodiversity-friendly farming—one that restores soil vitality, safeguards public health, and reimagines agriculture as a driver of resilience and sustainable development, writes the Editor, Purplebeige newsHighly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs)—among the most toxic in the arsenal of agrochemicals—cast a long, shadowy toll on human lives, ecosystems, and the planet. Each year, nearly half of the world’s farmers and agricultural workers suffer acute pesticide poisoning, with the overwhelming majority of cases occurring across the Global South. In Nigeria, where small- and medium-scale farmers form the backbone of the agricultural sector, the risks are particularly acute. These chemicals, many derived from fossil fuels, not only threaten health but also accelerate soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and contribute to climate change.Amid growing alarm over their widespread use, global institutions are taking action. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has recommitted to protecting human and environmental health. Their message is clear: the age of unchecked chemical farming must yield to a more sustainable and humane model. Civil society groups and forward-looking private actors are also amplifying the call for safer agricultural practices. Leading this global campaign is Alliance Against Pesticides in Nigeria (AAPN), a key driver of the Global Framework on Chemicals—a bold vision for a future free from the harms of hazardous substances. AAPN is urging nations and corporations to phase out HHPs wherever safer, cost-effective alternatives are available, aiming for a full transition by 2035.Equally significant is the 2030 target for governments to end the export of pesticides banned within their borders, a move designed to halt the troubling double standard that allows banned chemicals to flow into developing nations. For Nigeria, where pesticide dependence remains high, this marks both a warning and an opportunity—to protect its people, preserve its soils, and lead Africa in a new agro-ecological direction. While chemical pesticides promise increased yields, their hidden costs are becoming painfully clear. According to Dr. Victor Iyama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria (FACAN), these potent substances exact a heavy toll—not only on the health of farmers but also on the environment and the future of sustainable agriculture itself. Most farmers, he observed, remain unaware of the long-term consequences of pesticide use, relying heavily on them in pursuit of food security.Dr. Iyama urges a decisive pivot toward eco-friendly pest control, echoing global conventions that highlight the dangers of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). Despite awareness at state and local government levels, the enforcement of safety protocols remains a critical concern. Though regulations around pesticide registration and labelling exist, implementation—particularly in rural farming communities—is sporadic at best. The inconsistent provision of protective gear and inadequate training on safe usage and disposal only deepen the risks.The local availability of HHPs, including brands banned abroad, underscores glaring regulatory gaps and the urgent need for public education. As Nigeria increasingly leans on agriculture for economic diversification, a growing movement is championing biodiversity-friendly alternatives to chemical pest control. For Dr. Iyama and like-minded advocates, transitioning away from HHPs is not optional—it is imperative. Sustainable methods such as integrated pest management (IPM), bio-pesticides, and agro-ecological practices offer a safer path forward, enhancing resilience without sacrificing productivity.This shift is deeply personal for practitioners like Misi Adesina, a lawyer and agro service provider with Agricbuiz Without Borders Limited. “Two years ago, we trained women farmers in Ijebu Ode to farm organically. Just recently, I had to send a farmer to the hospital due to pesticide exposure,” she shared. For her, the greatest challenge is convincing more farmers to embrace organic practices—before it’s too late. “For many farmers, organic agriculture is still misunderstood—often reduced to simply using manure,” says Adesina, agro service provider and advocate with Agricbuiz Without Borders. “But in truth, organic farming is highly scientific.” She explains that it involves using inputs like garlic and ginger extracts, compost tea, Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO), Bacillus, Neem Leaf Tea, and carefully structured agronomy timetables. Educating farmers is vital, especially as misconceptions persist that organic farming is unsustainable.Encouragingly, consumer awareness is on the rise. “Over the past five years, with growing health concerns and lifestyle diseases, more Nigerians are seeking information and healthier choices. Many of my customers now attribute healing to organic produce,” she shares. For Adesina, that is the ultimate validation: “Every time a customer says they felt better after switching to organic food, I’m reminded that choosing this path years ago was the right decision. It’s time to move beyond commitment to implementation—biodiversity-friendly pest control is both possible and necessary.”Her message finds resonance in the work of Mrs. Sola Sowemimo, CEO of Ope Farms. “Organic farming isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s about protecting public health, preserving our soils, and building a resilient food system,” she says. Yet, she highlights several challenges: low consumer education, misuse of the term “organic” by unqualified vendors, labour shortages, and limited market access. “We’ve built our own distribution network using social media, word-of-mouth, and trust. Supermarkets and juice bars rarely support truly organic producers.”Ope Farms handles pest control by producing its own bio-inputs—neem oil, garlic-ginger extract, papaya leaf slurry, and worm compost. Despite the success, she laments the absence of institutional support. “Most government programmes are still designed for conventional agriculture. We’ve had to rely on international literature and peer learning.” She credits some support to initiatives like the GIZ-backed Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture (KCOA), but insists universities in Nigeria must invest in research and partner with organic farms. Consumer interest is growing, especially among urban families. “They feel the difference—better taste, digestion, and overall health. We’re not just growing crops—we’re improving lives.” Although demand outpaces supply due to funding constraints, she remains hopeful. “The world is taking notice. Our farm has been profiled by BBC and France 24. Last year, I was honoured at BIOFACH in Germany. Nigeria is only scratching the surface of what’s possible.”Amid the complexities of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, a growing movement toward safer, sustainable farming practices is gaining momentum. For Ms. ’Detoun Abbi-Olaniyan, Founder and Chief Executive of Thistleberry Food Co. Ltd, this shift is not only necessary—it’s deeply personal. “Let me be honest—organic farming wasn’t my childhood dream,” she quips. “I didn’t grow up saying, ‘One day, I’ll be composting like a champ.’” What nudged her onto this path was a convergence of health concerns, a deep desire to avoid a life dependent on medication, and a spark of curiosity about her ancestral farming roots. Her journey began with a startling question: “Am I cooking soup or conducting a chemistry experiment?” That moment led her into the world of food safety, soil health, and the principles of sustainable agriculture. “Soon, I was knee-deep in cow dung, compost, and plant-based brews—and loving every second.” Though challenges like organic pest management can be daunting, the rewards are profound. “I’ve watched barren soil come alive. I’ve fed families with food I’m proud of. That, to me, is success.”But scaling this success, she insists, requires structural support. “Start with recognition. Organic farming isn’t a hobby—it’s a matter of national food security,” she says. She advocates for subsidised certification, access to organic inputs, and integration of organic modules into agricultural institutions. Stronger market linkages, digital platforms, and dedicated retail spaces, she believes, are essential for connecting farmers to conscious consumers. Marie Ene Orgah, another leading voice in Nigeria’s organic movement, echoes these sentiments. “We must collaborate—farmers, government, doctors—to prioritise nutritious food as a cornerstone of public health,” she says, adding that a national shift to organic could yield long-term economic gains by reducing healthcare costs. She highlights the need for ecosystem-specific knowledge in pest management, including localised organic techniques such as neem and ash applications.Prof. Mohammed Atanda, Chief Executive of the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), reinforces the value of organic farming inputs. “Organic manure plays a crucial role in restoring soil health,” he explains. It enhances nutrient content, boosts aeration and water retention, and reduces environmental risks linked to synthetic fertilizers. Despite existing hurdles, these voices reveal a growing conviction: organic farming is not only viable—it is vital for Nigeria’s health, economy, and ecological future.According to Prof. Atanda, the advantages of organic manure reach far beyond ecological restoration—they hold strong economic promise as well. He explained that in today’s challenging economic climate, where the price of synthetic fertilizers continues to surge, organic alternatives have become not only environmentally prudent but also financially strategic, especially for smallholder farmers grappling with rising input costs. “The escalating costs of chemical fertilizers have made organic manure a more attractive and cost-effective option,” he noted. “For many small-scale farmers, it offers a pathway to reduce dependence on costly imported inputs, while enhancing soil fertility in a sustainable manner.”Beyond cost savings, the growing consumer preference for “chemical-free, nutrient-rich” produce is creating strong market pull for organically grown fruits and vegetables. This shifting demand, Prof. Atanda explained, is driving the increased adoption of organic farming practices and, in turn, raising the market value of horticultural produce. As health-conscious consumers become more selective about what they consume, farmers who invest in organic practices are beginning to reap premium returns.Additionally, this shift is unlocking new business opportunities within the agricultural value chain. Composting technologies, once viewed as niche, are now gaining traction as viable enterprises—offering farmers and entrepreneurs alike a chance to diversify income and build economic resilience. “The move toward organic inputs is not only about restoring soil health,” Prof. Atanda said, “it’s also about creating new value, new markets, and a more resilient agricultural economy.” In a country like Nigeria, where food security and soil degradation are growing concerns, organic manure represents both a practical solution and a strategic investment in a more sustainable and profitable future for agriculture.
