Debate over whether organic or inorganic practices should be used to boost yields is slowing farmers’ adoption of approaches that could transform Africa’s food security. So said scientists at the first conference of the Consortium for Improving Agriculture Based Livelihoods in Central Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
“This is a distraction from the actions needed to address food security now and ensure it in the future,” said Nteranya Sanginga, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture director-general designate.
“Persistently high food prices and low yields are weakening Central Africa’s food security and putting its fragile stability and economic growth at risk.” “We have to focus on approaches that improve livelihoods,” said Bernard Vanlauwe, acting director of the tropical soil biology and fertility research area at the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture. “It doesn’t have to be a choice between organic or inorganic: both can work well together at different stages in agricultural development.” – Alan Harman
