AG 01: ORGANIC FARMING
The green revolution, based on intensive farming technologies, managed to increase agricultural productivity and kept pace with population growth in the 60's. Starting from the mid 80's however, this technological revolution started to decline, mainly because of the increasing costs and lack of access to inputs by the rural communities, decreasing water availability and soil fertility. The approach thus became unsustainable and with the escalating costs of external inputs such as inorganic fertilizers, it is improbable that other so spectacular increases of productivity through this initiative or other similar initiatives will be achieved in future. Alternative and sustainable food production systems are urgently needed to produce high quality food for the poor without degrading the environment and the production resource base.

"Organic agriculture" is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved." In developing countries, organic agriculture is one of the most promising options in meeting the challenge of alleviating poverty through increasing household income, enhancing trade while at the same time protecting the environment.

Organic Agriculture is therefore a sustainable and environmentally friendly production method, which has particular advantages for small-scale farmers in Africa. It also provides interesting marketing opportunities. In recent years, organic agriculture and organic markets have grown rapidly, notably in East Africa. This growth is related to increased domestic demands for organically produced foods and the ever-expanding European market.   The export market for organic products from Kenya is estimated to be more than US$ 4 million per year and rapidly growing. The development of the organic sector however faces a range of challenges that exist along the entire organic value chain. Some of these limitations have become barriers for smallholder farmers to pursue organic agriculture strategies. It is some of these challenges that this short course on organic agriculture is designed to address and bring the target audience up to speed on the current trends and technologies in organic Agriculture.

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