Definition and Benefits

The chapter definition and benefits provides background information about challenges and possible solutions. Furthermore, information about which potential benefits organic agriculture can provide. Details about organic farming tools and management techniques are the focus of the following chapters.

An overview is given of key challenges facing agriculture in Africa. A range of possible agricultural systems applied in Africa are discussed. Organic agriculture is one of the systems in the “family of sustainable agriculture” with a high potential to provide valuable solutions for the African rural population and a high level of ecosystem services. Definitions, tools, and benefits of organic agriculture are described. This section may be theoretical for most farmers, but it is important background information for trainers, advisors, and researchers.

Responsible author: Eric Wyss (FiBL)