Food Security: ActionAids, others raise concern over harmful pesticides, say 50% are banned elsewhere

 

A Non Governmental Organization ( NGO) called ActionAid, Nigeria and prominent stakeholders in the management of pesticides and food security have raised concerns over 65% harmful pesticides in Nigeria with about 50% of them banned in other  countries.

This concern was raised at the last meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security ( NCAFS) where pressing issues working against agricultural development are discussed.

The stakeholders led by ActionAid, Nigeria revealed that 65% of pesticides presently in Nigeria are dangerous to humanity just as 50% of them are contraband in other countries.

ActionAids, Mr.Okoye Azubike faulted the pesticide registration process in Nigeria saying the majority of them are ineffective at weeding and dangerous to humans and the environmental's health.

Azubike said that " Some of these chemicals can cause long-term health problems like cancer, respiratory issues and reproductive harm. Furthermore they have a negative impact on the environment as the use of hazardous pesticides contribute to soil degradation, water contamination and the loss of biodiversity"

Other stakeholders at the meeting agreed that there is a need to reform Nigeria's pesticide regulation system as they posited that " Currently, the country lacks stringent mechanisms to review and update the list of approved chemicals, and there are some of the harmful pesticides remaining in the circulation for years despite being banned elsewhere"

Stakeholders alleged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of ineffective monitoring and regulations, and thereby called for " a comprehensive overhaul of the country's pesticide regulatory framework with  stronger enforcement, transparency in the approval process, and collaboration with international bodies to align with global best practices"

 Dr. Chijioke Nwafor, a public health expert and one of the participants at the meeting said that "The use of these harmful pesticides put farmers, consumers, and the entire population at risk. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of these chemicals, which can lead to long-term health complications."

Nwafor added that " The environmental toll of these pesticides is significant. The overuse of chemical pesticides leads to the contamination of water bodies, aquatic life and eventually making its way into the food chain. Soil health also deteriorates as the pesticides kill beneficial microorganisms that are essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem"

Participants suggested the need to educate farmers and the general public about the dangers of hazardous pesticides saying organic farming should be encouraged.