Nakuru County is taking proactive steps to address these issues through a partnership with the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI). Together, they have rolled out the ‘Ukulima True’ initiative, which aims to significantly reduce pesticide risks for stakeholders within the food value chain. The program also garners support from the Centre for Behaviour Change and Communication Centre (CBCC) to promote awareness of environmentally friendly pest control practices.
The ‘Ukulima True’ Initiative
The ‘Ukulima True’ campaign is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower farmers and stakeholders with knowledge and tools that will help mitigate the risks associated with pesticide usage. According to Mr. Leonard Bor, the County Executive Member for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, the excessive and improper use of pesticides not only threatens biodiversity but also endangers food safety. This initiative seeks to address these challenges by advocating for safer agricultural practices and promoting the use of bio-control and bio-practice products.
During the ‘Ukulima True’ field day organized by CABI, Mr. Bor emphasized the pressing need for effective management of pests, diseases, and weeds, which often lead to crop losses ranging from 30 to 40 percent. He highlighted the partnership’s efforts to train Integrated Pest Management (IPM) champions and increase the use of Spray Service Providers (SSPs) among female farmers in pilot areas. These measures are part of a broader strategy to enhance plant health and reduce the risks associated with pesticide application.
Training Smallholder Farmers
The initiative, which is set to continue until December 2023, focuses on educating smallholder farmers in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). These practices are essential for ensuring healthy crops while minimizing the contamination risks posed by harmful pathogens or agrochemicals. Mr. Bor expressed concern about the current food safety guidelines, which tend to prioritize food exports over domestic food safety. He advocates for equal emphasis on ensuring that locally produced food meets safety standards.
The ‘Ukulima True’ initiative aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s administration’s goals to streamline Kenya’s food production systems according to the sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Mr. Bor believes that educating farmers on food safety, environmental sustainability, and worker well-being in the fruits and vegetables sector is crucial. He noted that by adhering to GAPs throughout all stages of crop production—from field preparation to marketing—farmers can significantly mitigate contamination risks.
Addressing Pesticide Overuse
Pesticide overuse poses a significant threat to food safety. Mr. Bor underscored the alarming reality that every Kenyan is exposed to pesticides, which can infiltrate the human body through contaminated food and beverages. The initiative aims to train farmers in integrated crop management and pest disease management practices, focusing on developing resilient systems that can withstand challenges like drought, pests, and diseases.
Farm hygiene, including maintaining appropriate crop density and spacing, is critical to achieving pest and disease-free farms. Timely planting can help mitigate adverse weather impacts that can lead to disease outbreaks and periods of heightened pest activity.
Kenya, as a signatory to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Protocol, is committed to ensuring food safety and facilitating unhindered trade. However, the CECM cautioned that an estimated 40 percent of crops globally are lost to pests, including notorious pests like fall armyworms and tomato leaf miners.
Innovative Solutions and Sustainable Practices
CABI is contributing significantly to addressing these challenges through projects like the Bio Protection Portal, which compiles safer and more environmentally friendly pest control products. This initiative serves as a resource for growers seeking sustainable pest management options as part of an integrated pest management plan.
The ‘Ukulima True’ campaign, part of the CABI PlantwisePlus program, emphasizes improving soil health to ensure that crops remain robust against pest and disease attacks. Strategies such as crop diversification, rotation, and intercropping are encouraged to leverage natural repellents and physical barriers for insect control.
By reducing pesticide risks, the initiative aims to enhance food safety while also safeguarding the health of farmers, communities, animals, and the environment. Mr. Bor reiterated the importance of making safer plant protection products, such as biopesticides and bio-control products, accessible and affordable for farmers.
The Consequences of Pesticide Misuse
The persistent use of pesticides presents grave consequences, including long-term environmental contamination. Pesticides can remain in the environment for decades, polluting water sources and threatening entire ecosystems. Mr. Bor highlighted the County Government’s commitment to training and registering spray service providers, while also educating farmers about sustainable food production methods that minimize chemical usage.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that nearly three million people suffer from pesticide poisoning annually, leading to approximately 200,000 deaths. In Kenya, around 350,000 pesticide poisoning cases are reported each year. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for educational initiatives like ‘Ukulima True.’
Pesticide overuse also affects Kenya’s horticultural export market, with some products being intercepted due to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). These limits indicate the maximum allowable pesticide concentrations in exported products. Mr. Bor emphasized the need for farmers to comply with European market standards to avoid trade disruptions.
Building Capacity and Raising Awareness
The ‘Ukulima True’ initiative includes educating farmers on compliant pesticide use, emphasizing the importance of proper labeling in national languages, and ensuring that agrochemical companies take responsibility for their products. By stepping up surveillance and monitoring at entry points, the initiative aims to prevent the smuggling of harmful substances into Kenya.
Experts have noted that many Kenyan farmers rely on profit-driven agrovets for pest management instead of agricultural extension officers. This reliance has contributed to the proliferation of crop protection products, including those banned in Europe and other regions.
A study in Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties revealed that tomatoes are among the most misused crops in terms of pesticide application. In response, Mr. Bor highlighted the need for stricter pesticide regulations, ongoing research for alternatives, and an outright ban on importing pesticides prohibited in the European Union.
Positive Farmer Experiences
The initiative has already begun yielding positive outcomes. Rosemary Kamau, a 55-year-old avocado farmer, shared her newfound understanding of bio-pest control methods, which utilize natural predators, pheromones, and traps to manage pest populations. She now recognizes the importance of planting pollen and nectar-producing plants to attract beneficial insects.
Capsicum farmer Josiah Ngumi reported that farmers had been educated about companion planting techniques, which involve growing plants that naturally repel pests when planted alongside crops. For instance, garlic deters various beetles and aphids, while marigolds can ward off cucumber beetles and nematodes.
Both farmers acknowledged the efficacy of utilizing plant extracts and other natural materials to repel pests, reduce their feeding and reproductive activities, and curb the spread of diseases.
Conclusion
The ‘Ukulima True’ initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing food safety and environmental sustainability in Nakuru County. By focusing on education, innovative pest management strategies, and a commitment to reducing pesticide risks, the County Government, in collaboration with CABI and other partners, is laying a solid foundation for a healthier agricultural sector.
As the program progresses, it is crucial for all stakeholders—farmers, agrochemical companies, and government officials—to work together in adopting sustainable practices that prioritize food safety, environmental health, and the well-being of communities. The journey towards responsible pesticide use and safer food production has just begun, and it promises a brighter future for agriculture in Kenya.
