Agrochemicals have long been used in agriculture to increase crop yields and protect crops from pests and diseases. However, their widespread use has had a significant impact on the environment and human health. In Uganda, the use of agrochemicals has increased in recent years among commercial farms and smallholder subsistence farms, leading to a number of environmental and health concerns.
One of the biggest impacts of agrochemicals is on soil and water quality. Pesticides and fertilizers leach into groundwater and surface water, contaminating drinking water and harming aquatic life. Soil degradation due to indiscriminate use of agrochemicals also leads to a decrease in soil fertility and a decline in crop productivity over time. “when we first started using these agrochemicals, we recorded very high yields. Overtime, with continued use of the agrochemicals, we have recorded very significant declines with our crops failing at seedling stage – it seems the soil is tired”, said one of the smallholder farmers in Arua.
Another major concern is the impact of agrochemicals on human health. Agricultural workers and smallholder farmers who handle and apply agrochemicals are at a high risk of exposure, which can result in a range of health problems, including respiratory and neurological damage. Additionally, residues from agrochemicals can persist in food, potentially exposing consumers to harmful chemicals. “we have tried to put regulatory policies around the importation of agrochemicals and the enterprises that deal in them, however, it seems that there are still leakages out there in policy implementation. While several farmers are ill informed about the impacts of the chemicals, the market vendors also do little to inform them”, reiterated an official from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Despite these concerns, the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals continues to increase in Uganda. This is due in part to the increasing demand for food under climatic changes that threaten food production, which has led to a push for increased crop yields. However, there is a growing recognition that a different approach is needed if we are to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and the environment. The shift to agroecology offers a way to address the negative impacts of agrochemicals and promote sustainable agriculture. Agroecology is a holistic approach to farming that recognizes the interconnectedness of the environment, economy, and society. It focuses on using natural processes and locally available resources to increase crop yields, reduce waste, and conserve the environment.
In Uganda, agroecology is already being used by many farmers to achieve a more sustainable and profitable agriculture. For example, some farmers are using intercropping, a technique where two or more crops are grown together, to reduce the need for pesticides and increase crop yields. Others are using crop rotation to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest and disease problems. John Pariyo, a farmer dealing in horticulture and aquaculture said that he decided to abandon agrochemicals and shift to the practice of agroecology after the agrochemicals he used in his vegetable farms started polluting his fishponds downstream. “I have no regrets about my decision”, he reiterated.
In addition to benefiting farmers and the environment, the shift to agroecology can also improve food security and reduce poverty in rural communities. By using locally available resources and promoting the use of traditional knowledge and practices, agroecology can help to increase food production and improve access to food for the most vulnerable populations.
However, the transition to agroecology requires significant changes in the way that agriculture is practiced, as well as a shift in policies and investment priorities. Governments, international organizations, and private sector partners need to provide support to farmers and rural communities to help them transition to agroecology. This includes providing training and resources, as well as creating market opportunities for agroecological products.
The impact of agrochemicals on the environment and human health is a growing concern in Uganda and around the world. The shift to agroecology offers a solution to these problems and can help to promote sustainable agriculture and food security. It is imperative that we take action to support this transition and invest in the future of agriculture.
