Organic is not only a promising business opportunity. Local NGOs, farmers’ groups, and development agencies are increasingly adopting organic techniques as a method of improving productivity and addressing the pressing problems of food security faced by all too many Africans. Organic farming is being used in initiatives designed to:

• ensure food security
• increase income
• maintain and enhance soil fertility
• combat desertification or erosion
• develop low- and no-input means for combating pests
• promote the use of local seed varieties
• maintain and enhance biodiversity
• support the most vulnerable social groups (particularly women and households headed by women) and
• combat global warming