Organic agriculture in the tropics not only generates comparable yields, but also produces more income and health benefits for farmers than conventional methods. These are the findings of a long-term study by the Swiss Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Kenya, that has been conducted since 2007 together with local partners such as the International Centre of Insect Physiology & Ecology (icipe) and Kenyatta University. The Farming Systems Comparison in the Tropics (SysCom) project does not compare apples with oranges but rather conventional and organic high input systems that use external inputs (e.g. biopesticides for organic) and irrigation, as well as conventional and organic low input systems that depend on farm-owned resources. “Our findings show that yields of maize – an important staple and cash crop – under organic production are similar to that under conventional production in high-input systems representing commercial scale farming,” said Dr Noah Adamtey, a coordinator of the project. Also at low input levels, maize yields were similar in both systems, especially under intercropping regimes and there were no differences for pest and disease incidence and damage. Only under maize sole cropping, conventional methods won over organic farming at the project site in Thika. The study shows that organic farming starts to deliver substantial economic advantages as soon as the initial conversion period is over since input costs for organic agriculture are lower while prices on the markets are higher for organic produce. According to Dr Adamtey, “the profitability was similar in both systems from the third year in the absence of premium price, but when premium price was considered, organic farming was more profitable starting from the fifth year.” In the sixth year, organic farmers in Kenya reached a 53% higher benefit. Parallel studies in India and Bolivia on the production of cotton and coffee respectively showed similar positive results for the organic methods. The research also documented the benefits of organic farming methods to soil fertility: “Our results show that soil fertility improved significantly in calcium, magnesium, potassium and soil pH (acidity) levels under the organic approach”, Dr Adamtey confirmed. In addition, the non-use of chemical inputs in organic farming systems also has a positive impact on farms’ ecosystems and the health of people. According to the research team, the organic approach is a viable strategy in the tropics but knowledge dissemination and training in organic farming will require greater attention and support. (ab)