KENYA – The global PlantwisePlus programme, led by the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), is playing a pivotal role in the development of a national pesticide residue monitoring framework for Kenya.
This initiative comes in response to growing concerns about the incorrect use of pesticides, which can pose significant risks to food safety.
CABI’s regional centre for Africa has been actively supporting key Kenyan institutions, including the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) and the Kenya Plant Health Inspection Service (KEPHIS), to address the challenges of pesticide residues.
As part of these efforts, CABI has facilitated three virtual meetings that brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the USDA Pesticide Data Program, the Australian National Residue Survey, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and other relevant organizations.
The detection of pesticide residues in crops often signals improper pesticide usage, raising concerns about food safety.
When residues exceed maximum allowable levels, it indicates potential misuse of pesticides, posing health risks to consumers.
Moreover, the presence of pesticides not registered for specific crops can point to broader issues such as environmental contamination, off-label usage, or the persistence of residues in soil and water.
Strategic need for a coordinated framework
Dr. Melanie Bateman, CABI’s Integrated Crop Management Advisor, emphasized the importance of developing a formal and coordinated pesticide residue monitoring framework in Kenya.
“National partners in Kenya have identified a strategic need for this framework to support evidence-based food safety risk management,” Dr. Bateman noted.
The PlantwisePlus programme, under its Pesticide Risk Reduction pathway, has been instrumental in supporting the Kenyan government in this endeavor.
The programme aims to raise awareness of and improve access to affordable integrated pest management solutions. By collaborating with national and local government entities, commercial enterprises, and farmers, the initiative seeks to reduce pesticide-related risks and enhance food safety.
Progress and future steps
The series of virtual meetings, which began on May 30th, has made substantial progress. The first meeting led to the distribution of a situation assessment questionnaire to agencies involved in pesticide residue monitoring in Kenya and Ghana.
The second meeting, held on July 3rd, focused on exploring the analytical capacities needed for effective monitoring programs and outlined the initial steps for developing a national framework.
The third meeting on July 23rd further refined the roles and responsibilities of the various stakeholders involved in the monitoring process.
Dr. Bateman highlighted the next steps in the process, which include a visit by an international expert from the US to KEPHIS and PCPB.
This will be followed by a write-shop aimed at drafting the national pesticide residue monitoring framework. Stakeholders will then be invited to review the progress and provide feedback to ensure the framework’s effectiveness.
Leveraging digital tools for enhanced monitoring
CABI’s capabilities extend beyond facilitating discussions and frameworks. The organization also offers digital support tools such as the CABI BioProtection Portal, Crop Sprayer App, and Pest Management Decision Guides within the PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank.
These tools provide valuable resources for monitoring and managing pesticide use, further supporting the goal of reducing pesticide-related risks in Kenya.
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