Hunger is not just the absence of food; it’s the absence of the right food, grown in ways that sustain both the planet and people. As we mark World Food Day 2024, we must confront a pressing question: how can we feed a growing global population without depleting the very ecosystems that sustain us?
Why Conventional Agriculture is Failing Us
Every year, the world produces more than enough food to feed its 8 billion people, and yet over 735 million people still face hunger. How is this possible? The root of the problem lies not just in food production but in how we produce it. Industrial agriculture, with its heavy reliance on synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and monoculture practices, has led to soil degradation, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity. These practices are failing both the people they aim to feed and the land that sustains us.
In sub-Saharan Africa, where the agricultural sector supports 60% of the population, millions of smallholder farmers struggle to produce enough food due to declining soil fertility and unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change. If we continue down this path, global food systems will collapse under the weight of environmental degradation. But organic farming offers a way out of this downward spiral.
Organic Farming: Growing Food for the Future, Not Just for Today
Imagine a farm that not only feeds its community but also regenerates the land, enriches the soil, and promotes biodiversity. This is the promise of organic farming. Unlike conventional farming, which focuses solely on maximising yields, organic farming practices are designed to work with nature rather than against it. By eliminating synthetic chemicals and focusing on crop diversity, organic farming builds healthier soils, conserves water and restores ecosystems.
A study published by the Rodale Institute showed that organic farming systems can produce up to 40% higher yields during drought years compared to conventional systems, thanks to improved soil health and water retention. This means that organic farming is not just an ethical choice; it’s a practical solution to building food systems that can withstand the shocks of climate change. And with 2.4 billion people already living in water-scarce areas, we need solutions that conserve resources while boosting production.
Organic Farming and Global Food Security: Connecting the Dots
So, how does organic farming tie into the broader challenge of global food security? To put it simply, organic farming addresses the root causes of hunger by focusing on sustainability, environmental health, and community well-being. Food security isn’t just about producing enough food to meet calorie needs; it’s about ensuring people have access to safe, nutritious food produced in ways that can be sustained over generations.
A report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stresses that achieving food security requires agricultural systems that are resilient to climate change, maintain biodiversity, and protect the natural resources we depend on. Organic farming meets all these criteria by enhancing soil fertility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving pollinators—critical for crop production.
At Ambokili Farm, we’ve seen firsthand how organic methods can transform food production in even the most challenging environments. By using techniques like composting, agroforestry, and water conservation, we’ve turned semi-arid land into a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem capable of sustaining local communities year-round. This regenerative approach ensures that the land can continue producing food long into the future, providing a blueprint for sustainable agriculture across Africa and beyond.
Ambokili Farm: A Model for Regenerative Organic Agriculture
At Ambokili Farm, we don’t just talk about sustainability; we live it. Our farm is a working example of how regenerative agriculture can turn once-barren landscapes into self-sustaining, productive ecosystems. In regions like Kajiado, where droughts are frequent and water resources are scarce, our organic farming methods have enabled communities to grow a diverse range of crops without exhausting the land or relying on harmful chemicals.
Through our apprenticeship and training programs, we empower smallholder farmers with the knowledge and skills to implement organic, regenerative practices on their own farms. Farmers learn how to use natural inputs like compost and bio-pesticides, integrate crop rotation and cover crops, and practice water conservation—all of which improve soil health, increase yields, and reduce the need for costly chemical inputs.
By promoting biodiversity, we not only help ensure long-term food security but also combat the effects of climate change. Healthy soils, rich in organic matter, can sequester carbon from the atmosphere, while diversified crop systems provide resilience against pests and diseases. As more farmers adopt these practices, the cumulative impact on food security and environmental health could be transformative.
Organic Farming and Food Security
A common criticism of organic farming is that it cannot produce enough food to feed the global population. This myth has been debunked by multiple studies. Research published in Nature found that organic farming yields can be nearly equivalent to conventional farming, especially when agroecological principles are applied, such as intercropping and crop rotation. Moreover, when environmental and social benefits are factored in—such as reduced pollution, improved public health, and increased biodiversity—organic farming proves to be a superior long-term solution.
Consider this: while industrial agriculture may yield high outputs in the short term, it depletes the very resources it relies on—soil, water, and biodiversity. Organic farming, on the other hand, builds these resources, creating a foundation for sustainable food production that can feed the world now and in the future.
Organic Farming, Hunger, and Poverty
The connection between organic farming, food security, and poverty reduction is undeniable. By improving yields, protecting ecosystems, and reducing reliance on expensive chemical inputs, organic farming empowers smallholder farmers—the backbone of food production in many developing countries. When farmers can grow more food, keep their costs low, and improve their land, they not only feed their families but also lift themselves out of poverty.
In Africa, where 80% of farms are small-scale, the adoption of organic farming practices could significantly improve food security for millions. In Kenya, organic farming could be the key to unlocking the potential of semi-arid regions like Kajiado, where droughts threaten food availability. At Ambokili Farm, we are committed to demonstrating that it’s not just about growing food today but ensuring that future generations can continue to grow food tomorrow.
The fight against hunger isn’t just about producing more food—it’s about producing the right food, in ways that protect the environment and uplift communities. Organic farming is the key to this future. At Ambokili Farm, we are doing our part, but we need your help. Feel free to donate to our cause to support the work we do.
As we celebrate World Food Day, let’s commit to investing in organic farming solutions that not only feed the world but also regenerate the land and protect the planet because, ending hunger isn’t just about the food we eat; it’s about how we grow it.
