Farmers and Agrochemical Abuse: The Silent Threat to Public Health and Food Security
The agricultural sector in Nigeria is currently facing a significant challenge with the widespread and hazardous abuse of agrochemicals, particularly pesticides, herbicides, and other banned substances, as farmers continue to apply these chemicals inappropriately. This has resulted in serious health concerns and life-threatening diseases among consumers of farm produce.
During a stakeholders’ meeting last year, ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) revealed that government budget spending and agricultural financing programmes in the country favour the use of inorganic pesticides over safer organic bio-agro inputs. The preference for hazardous pesticides has led to adverse effects on human health, the environment, and biodiversity.
Agricultural extension experts have emphasized the risks associated with agrochemicals, noting that all categories of Nigerians are vulnerable to the consequences of chemical abuse, as these harmful substances find their way into the food supply. The inappropriate application of pesticides by farmers and the utilization of banned agrochemicals have become major concerns for regulatory agencies and the government.
There have been reported cases of pesticide poisoning and contamination of food, resulting in fatalities in Nigeria. Despite the global lower usage of pesticides in developing countries, they experience a higher percentage of deaths due to pesticide poisoning, as opposed to industrialized nations.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) classifies pesticides based on their level of hazard to humans, ranging from extremely hazardous to unlikely to be hazardous under short-term use. Research has shown that small-scale farmers in developing countries tend to use more toxic and hazardous pesticides because they are cheaper than newer, less hazardous alternatives, which are often protected by foreign patents.
Health experts have linked the misuse and abuse of agrochemicals to the rising prevalence of cancer, kidney-related ailments, reproductive organ malfunctioning, and other life-threatening diseases in Nigeria. While it is challenging to directly attribute these diseases to chemical exposure, there is evidence of the harmful effects of pesticide abuse on human health, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and neurobehavioral effects.
The abuse of agrochemicals not only poses serious health risks but also leads to economic losses, as Nigeria struggles with food export rejection due to pesticide contamination. Additionally, the misuse and wrong application of chemicals, combined with the lack of agricultural extension workers and inadequate regulatory oversight, perpetuate the hazardous agrochemical practices in the country.
Efforts to address the issue of agrochemical abuse have been underway, with calls for the phasing out of highly hazardous pesticides and the promotion of safer alternatives in Nigeria. However, regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have faced challenges in monitoring and regulating the entry of banned agrochemicals into the country.
Despite the documentation of a comprehensive dossier on registered and unregistered pesticides, advocating for informed decision-making and collective action, the regulatory measures to prevent the distribution and use of hazardous agrochemicals remain ineffective. The porous nature of Nigerian borders and the proliferation of illegal markets continue to facilitate the circulation of banned agrochemicals in the country.
In conclusion, the abuse of agrochemicals poses a grave threat to public health and food security in Nigeria. It is imperative for the government, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to intensify efforts in curbing the distribution and use of banned pesticides and herbicides. Strengthening regulatory measures, enhancing public awareness, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices are crucial steps in mitigating the risks associated with agrochemical abuse, safeguarding human health, and ensuring the export of safe and acceptable agricultural produce.
