I work with larger organic producers in SA and specifically in Argentina. Their yields are as good if not better than the conventional producers. This phenomenon is repeated world wide so the use of chemicals is not necessary do to produce high yields. Again I refer you to; http://www.organic-center.org/ fro peer-reviewed scientific data on organic farming.
I also suggest you do not understand the problems facing subsistence farming in Africa. Ag chemicals cost money, with higher oil prices these petrochemicals have increased dramatically in the past 2 years. (Due to this fact I will have to challenge your statement that cost have gone down in Argentina with no-till, chemical intensive, farming) The green revolution worked in the short term due to subsidies that off set the cost of imported synthetic fertilizers. However once the subsidies were eliminated the cost of the chemical became prohibitive for most developing countries. From a current accounts basis it makes no sense for a developing country to import expensive inputs so that you can feed a local population. It's cheaper to just buy the food on the open market. It's not a good long term solution to famine, but we live in a world of short term fixes.
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TheStar.com | Ideas | What is the meaning of organic?
milk
CONVENTIONAL
* no growth hormones (rbST)
* other hormones for lactation timing and/or breeding purposes may be used
* medicated feed (feed with low-level antibiotics) not allowed
* antibiotics to treat sick animals allowed
* feed additives such as Rumensin, to increase growth, may be present
* animal by-products from poultry/pig may be used **
* no mandatory outdoor access (but most have access)
* cows may be tied in a "tie stall"or freer to move in "free stall"
ORGANIC
* no hormones of any sort
* no medicated feed
* no antibiotics unless animal's life in danger; taken out of system for at least two weeks
* no feed additives
* no animal by-products in feed
* mandatory outdoor access (weather permitting)
* cows may be penned in a tie stall or free stall
eggs
CONVENTIONAL
* no hormones
* medicated feed not allowed
* antibiotics not allowed
* no animal by-products in feed
* feed not organic, may be genetically modified corn, soybean, canola
* no outdoor access
* housed in battery cages
* beaks are trimmed
FREE RUN
* allowed to roam in barn
FREE RANGE
* may have outdoor access
CAGE-FREE
* same as free run or range
OMEGA-3
* diet consists of flax and fish meal **
ORGANIC
* no hormones
* no medicated feed
* no antibiotics
* organic feed
* no animal by-products in feed
* mandatory outdoor access
* not housed in cages
beef
CONVENTIONAL
* hormones may be used to help get to market weight
* faster; no residues may be present in meat
* medicated feed allowed
* antibiotics allowed
* animal by-products allowed in feed but not from other ruminants **
* feed grains may be genetically modified, including corn
* no mandatory outdoor/pasture access, but most have access
* typically finish lives on a large feedlot, indoor or outdoor
NATURAL (e.g. Laura's Lean Beef at Dominion Stores)
Same as "conventional" except:
* no hormones
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Eat Organic