{"id":4519,"date":"2025-05-08T20:25:04","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T20:25:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zirat.ma\/2025\/05\/08\/nigeria-afan-suggests-using-hydroponics-aquaponics-for-sustainable-growth-as-population-rises\/"},"modified":"2025-07-12T18:36:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-12T18:36:18","slug":"afan-suggests-using-hydroponics-aquaponics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zirat.ma\/?p=4519","title":{"rendered":"Nigeria: AFAN suggests using hydroponics, aquaponics for sustainable growth as population rises"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n



<\/p>\n

<\/header>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

As Nigeria\u2019s population continues to grow rapidly, agricultural sustainability and food security are becoming urgent priorities. The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN)<\/strong> recently weighed in on this issue, suggesting that hydroponics<\/strong> and aquaponics<\/strong> could be more viable solutions than traditional or organic farming methods in the near future.<\/p>\n

In a public statement, Mr. Femi Oke<\/strong>, the Southwest\/Lagos State Chairman of AFAN, emphasized that organic farming<\/strong>, while beneficial for the environment, is currently not sufficient to meet the nation\u2019s increasing food demands<\/strong>. Speaking in Lagos, he highlighted the economic and logistical barriers that hinder the widespread adoption of organic practices in a country with over 200 million people<\/strong> and rising.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWe sometimes encourage our farmers to embark on organic farming,\u201d Oke said, \u201cbut the truth is that organic farming cannot cater to our growing population. If we fully adopt it, we will struggle to feed the nation. That\u2019s why we must explore alternatives.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Challenge of Organic Farming in Nigeria<\/h3>\n

Organic farming, by definition, avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and artificial additives. It is recognized globally for promoting soil health<\/strong>, ecosystem balance<\/strong>, and biodiversity<\/strong>. However, it typically yields less than conventional methods, and the cost of producing organic food is often higher due to the need for manual labor, crop rotation, and pest management without chemicals.<\/p>\n

In Nigeria\u2019s current context, where inflation is affecting the prices of staple goods and food security is threatened by climate change and urban expansion, the scalability of organic agriculture is limited.<\/p>\n

While organic farming<\/strong> has its place in niche markets and rural communities, AFAN believes it should not be relied upon as the primary model<\/strong> for feeding Nigeria\u2019s expanding population, especially in urban areas.<\/p>\n

Hydroponics & Aquaponics: A Sustainable Solution<\/h3>\n

AFAN recommends investing in hydroponic<\/strong> and aquaponic<\/strong> systems\u2014innovative and sustainable methods of farming that require no soil<\/strong>, less space<\/strong>, and minimal water<\/strong>.<\/p>\n