Alliance building amongst civil society actors and citizen initiatives is an important approach to addressing some of the socio-economic, political, and ecological challenges facing Kenyans. Within the global food sovereignty movement, alliances such as La Via Campesina , have demonstrated that bringing together different actors to address a particular issue is a powerful approach to bringing about change.
The Route to Food Initiative (RTFI), inspired by the potential of collective action, has invested in the formation of the Route to Food Alliance. Since 2016, the Alliance has made achievements in highlighting issues to do with food insecurity, unequal power-relations, and the protection of farmer and consumer rights. It has also promoted a rights-based approach to hunger and champions agroecology as a political, social and farm-level response to chronic food insecurity. The Alliance has grown to more than one thousand members from all corners of Kenya. These members have actively participated in various initiatives and activities organized by the Alliance over the years, further cementing its impact and influence.
In a significant development, the Route to Food Alliance recently organized its first annual meeting, bringing together members from different regions of the country. The event was graced by the eminent Prof. Michael Fakhri, the Right to Food Special Rapporteur, who shared invaluable insights as the keynote speaker. This event marked a significant step in the Alliance's journey, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among its diverse members.
We acknowledge the recent joint press release by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), aak/GROW and Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya) addressing concerns regarding pesticide safety and usage in Kenya. While it is essential to recognize the PCPB's commitment to ensuring pesticide safety, crucial aspects warrant further discussion and clarification.
Assessment Criteria: We appreciate the PCPB's efforts to align with international standards and regulations. However, we also see the need to follow a hazard assessment for registering very toxic pesticides (WHO 1a, WHO 1b, and so-called CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproduction toxic pesticides)). These hazard assessments focus on the inherent properties of pesticides, regardless of their use patterns. It is essential to strike a balance between risk and hazard assessments to ensure comprehensive safety, as many of the Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHP) mentioned in the recently launched report Toxic Business: Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Kenya are very toxic, for example, beta-cyfluthrin.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): We agree that the responsible use and handling of pesticides are essential. However, we must acknowledge that the responsibility for safe pesticide use is beyond the farmers' ability. Required mitigation measures like buffer zones to safeguard communities or water resources often can't be implemented. Beyond the responsibility of the farmer, pesticide companies should also play an essential role in ensuring the safe use, disposal and handling of their products through extended producer responsibility (EPR). EPR is now mandatory in Kenya, highlighting the shared responsibility among manufacturers, farmers and regulators to guarantee safe pesticide usage.
Right to Food: We fully acknowledge the importance of balanced pesticide use in securing food production within current agricultural systems. However, we emphasize the need for a balanced approach that ensures food security while minimizing health and environmental risks associated with the Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). The ripple effect of HHPs is seen in the reduction of Soil microorganisms, killing of pollinators and pollution in our air and water reservoirs.
It is a human right to have access to adequate and safe food, as well as to have access to a safe environment. We encourage PCPB to explore sustainable pest management alternatives that prioritize both crop protection and the long-term health of Kenyan farmers and consumers, and the environment.
The Reason for a Ban of Pesticides: While we acknowledge that some of the pest present in Kenya are not posing a risk to European crop production, we would like to emphasize that most of the pesticides that are banned in Europe are withdrawn from the market because of their unacceptable risk towards the environment and human health and not because of less pest pressure. This is out of rigorous scientific studies to demonstrate the risks. Alternatives to HHP use on specific pest problems in Kenya are already present but need wider communication and application amongst farmers’ communities. We would also like to emphasize that a system change of agricultural production is necessary and not just a substitution from one pesticide to the other, to achieve enough safe food in an enabling environment.
Finally, yet importantly, a collaborative effort among regulatory bodies, farmers, environmentalists and civil society is crucial to finding a balanced and sustainable approach to pesticide use, especially concerning the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) in Kenya. We remain committed to supporting and ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyan citizens, safeguarding the environment and upholding food security for the country.
For further inquiries, please contact
Email: info(at)routetofood.org.
Phone Number: 0720871511.
About us
A Programme of Heinrich Boell Foundation
Prof. Wangari Maathai Road, Nairobi
P.O. Box 10799-00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0)20 760 5300
