The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), alongside the Health Of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and smallholder farmers in the country, has raised alarms regarding the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
They are urging the federal government to suspend the application of GMOs in crop cultivation due to significant health concerns. Experts point out rising incidents of cancer and other ailments potentially linked to GMO usage.
Cadmus Enade, Programmes Manager at HOMEF, emphasized the urgency of halting GMO applications in a one-day training event for smallholder farmers across 15 states in Keffi, Nasarawa State. He advocated for a return to agroecology, a farming system aligned with nature to ensure food sovereignty and security. 
Enade reiterated that agroecology is not only safer but also promotes a balanced ecosystem, unlike GMOs, which bring harmful chemicals into food production.
Enade highlighted how GMO practices have adverse effects on health, the environment, animals, and biodiversity.
Emphasizing organic and chemical-free crop production, the training aimed to equip local farmers with agroecology practices to enhance food production and livelihoods.
Participants were taught how to use organic materials from their environment for farming, promoting local, sustainable practices for food security and safety.
Enade pointed out that many GM foods are sold in large stores without clear labeling, causing uninformed consumers to inadvertently buy and consume these products. Research indicates that some GM seeds have led to the death of birds and various grass species, suggesting long-term harm to humans as well.
Dr. Yunusa Halidu, National Secretary of AFAN, also called on the government to promote bio-fertilizers and organic farming over GMOs, to produce healthier food and foster a better environment.
He mentioned that farmers have long complained about the high costs of agrochemical products like fertilizers and pesticides, which also pose risks to human health and the environment. Halidu urged the government to shift its focus from GMOs to natural crop production methods using local resources.
Farmers like Mrs. Ujomu Funke from Kwara State and Mrs. Omolara Ayodeji from Oyo State echoed these concerns.
They highlighted the prohibitive costs of agrochemical products for smallholder farmers, underlining the need for government support in promoting bio-fertilizer and pesticide production using locally available materials.
The training sessions aimed to teach farmers from states including Nasarawa, Oyo, Kano, and Plateau how to create organic fertilizers and pesticides, helping them to embrace sustainable and cost-effective farming methods.
The participants learned about the benefits of organic farming, and how it can help reduce their reliance on expensive agrochemicals.
By using locally available materials, they can produce food that is safe and healthy, while also protecting the environment.
The sessions also focused on the practical application of these techniques, enabling farmers to implement them in their daily farming activities.
