Increasing use of pesticides in Africa with emphasis on Uganda - measures undertaken to minimize negative effects

Introduction: Uganda is one of the countries with the highest population growth rate in the world. This increases the need for agricultural (food) production; hence the need for increased use of pesticides. Other sectors also use pesticides. For example the health sector uses pesticides for vector control. Uganda thus needs to watch out for and mitigate the health and environmental effects of pesticides.   Objective: To review the situation of pesticides use in Uganda and the mitigation measures that have been undertaken to minimize negative health and environmental effects, as an example in Africa.  

Methods: Reporting results of a pesticides, health and environment baseline survey carried out UNACOH; and previewing work being undertaken by UNACOH and her partners in Uganda.  

Results of survey and Planned outputs/outcomes of interventions:  • Presentation of results from a survey, involving farmers, agricultural extension workers, local leaders, agro-input dealers and health workers, about pesticide use, health and environment in two districts of Uganda.  • Previewing expected outputs of a 3 year project aiming at:  o Increased awareness and pesticide safety practices among farmers, agricultural extension workers and agro-input dealers.   o Increase knowledge and skills of health workers to diagnose, treat and register pesticide poisoning.   o Increased awareness among the public about the relationship between pesticides use, health and environment.  

Conclusion: Uganda is taking steps to control the health and environment effects of pesticides. UNACOH and partners are involved in this process. Their involvement and expected outputs/outcomes are presented.