Stalemate over organic farming slows progress in effort to combat food insecurity in Central Africa

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/bc-soo102811.php

Public release date: 28-Oct-2011

Jeff Haskins
254-729-871-422
[e-mail]

Michelle Geis
[e-mail]
254-706-348-938
http://www.burnesscommunications.com/">Burness Communications

Stalemate over organic farming slows progress in effort to combat food insecurity in Central Africa

Experts say 'balanced' approach can meet region's food needs in the face of climate change and rapid population growth

KIGALI, RWANDA -- The polarized debate over the use of organic and inorganic practices to boost farm yields is slowing action and widespread farmer adoption of approaches that could radically transform Africa's food security situation, according to a group of leading international scientists meeting in Kigali this week.

…

"Climate change, rapid population growth, and intense land pressure are major challenges for the region. It's time to focus on practical, evidence-based solutions that will forever end the cycle of hunger, poverty and civil conflict," he added.

…

"For many, fertilizer is a dirty word," said Bernard Vanlauwe, acting director of the Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility research area at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). "We have to focus on approaches that improve livelihoods."

"It does not have to be a choice between organic or inorganic; both approaches can work well together at different stages in agricultural development," said Vanlauwe.

…

[jwirr]

1. It seems to me that the reasonable answer would come if they asked

just one question: Where is the fertilizer going to come from after oil depletion?