Happy New Year!
As we warm up to 2025, now is a good time to reflect on the journey of the #ToxicBusiness campaign to date and lay out the future of the campaign. #ToxicBusiness is our flagship campaign against highly hazardous pesticides in Kenya. Launched in 2019, the campaign has brought the message of safer food production methods to diverse audiences, including the media, the public, consumers, producers, policymakers, and even the floor of the National Assembly.
The Beginning (2019):
We launched the #ToxicBusiness campaign with Heinrich Böll Stiftung, Nairobi office. The campaign was informed by the findings of the 2019 White Paper, Pesticides in Kenya: Why Our Health, Environment, and Food Security Are at Stake. The research paper examined the prevalence and impact of toxic pesticides in Kenya. Key findings revealed that 33% of active pesticide ingredients used in Kenya were banned in the EU. The report also highlighted serious health risks associated with pesticide exposure, including carcinogenic, mutagenic, endocrine-disrupting, and neurotoxic effects, as well as negative impacts on reproduction and biodiversity. These alarming insights compelled us to collaborate with partners to petition the National Assembly, calling for urgent action to address these issues.
Parliamentary Petition and Response (2019)
Public Petition No. 70 (2019), supported by evidence from the White Paper, was submitted to the Kenyan Parliament by a coalition including Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), BiBa Kenya, RODI Kenya, and the Route to Food Initiative. This petition represented a pivotal step in involving lawmakers in the battle against toxic pesticides in Kenya. The National Assembly's Health Committee responded positively, issuing a favourable report and recommending urgent action by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB).
Scientific Report on Pesticides in the Kenyan Market (2021)
The Scientific Report on Pesticides in the Kenyan Market examines the presence and regulation of pesticides, highlighting their impact on agriculture, human health, and the environment. Through comprehensive analysis, it identifies commonly used pesticides, evaluates compliance with safety standards, and assesses the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks. The findings reveal concerning levels of pesticide residues in food products and the challenges faced by farmers in adhering to best practices. Recommendations for improved regulation, education, and sustainable alternatives are provided to promote safer agricultural practices and protect both consumers and ecosystems in Kenya.
Pesticide Atlas – Kenya Edition (2022)
The Kenyan edition of the Pesticide Atlas contextualises Kenya’s pesticide problem within a global context. The report discusses how the global pesticide market is growing, with only a few corporations dividing it for themselves. It also delves into the consequences of pesticides on health, water, soils, and biodiversity, as well as the dangers of lax approval and regulatory standards.
Toxic Business Report: Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Kenya (2023)
The Toxic Business report revealed that Kenya uses 310 pesticide products, with 63% classified as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). Of these, 195 meet the World Health Organization's criteria for HHPs, with a significant reliance on toxic herbicides such as Paraquat and Glyphosate, both banned in Europe.
Economically, Kenya spent $72.7 million on pesticides, distributed as $28.2 million on insecticides, $26.4 million on herbicides, and $18.1 million on fungicides. The report's key recommendations include phasing out HHPs like Paraquat and Mancozeb and promoting safer alternatives, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biopesticides.
Of these, 195 products meet the World Health Organization's definition of HHP, heavily relying on toxic herbicides like Paraquat and Glyphosate, both banned in Europe. Economic wise, $72.7 million was spent on pesticides: $28.2 million on insecticides, $26.4 million on herbicides, and $18.1 million on fungicides. Key recommendations were to phase out HHPs like Paraquat and Mancozeb and promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biopesticides as safer alternatives.
Farmers’ Resource Guide: Achieving Food Production without Toxic Pesticides (2024)
The Farmers’ Resource Guide is a practical, on-the-ground tool designed to help farmers transition to safer and more sustainable farming practices. The guide offers practical and actionable solutions inspired by the Toxic Business Report (2023) findings. It empowers farmers with techniques such as composting, cover cropping, mulching, crop rotation, intercropping, and diversifying crops to manage pests and enhance yields naturally. Additionally, it highlights biopesticides—safe and natural pest control alternatives like neem oil and garlic spray including recipes for how to make them.
What’s Next (2025 and Beyond!)
To date, the #ToxicBusiness campaign has focused on gathering data and evidence to highlight the gravity of the issue and strengthen our public messaging. Now, we believe it is time to drive action from producers and consumers by offering practical Alternatives and Solutions. For producers, we have developed the Farmers’ Resource Guide, which provides safer and more effective alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). For consumers, it is crucial to highlight actionable solutions—practical steps you can take at home to minimise exposure to these hazardous substances. We aim to place consumers at the heart of this campaign, as they play a critical role in creating demand for safer food.
Although our focus is evolving, we remain dedicated to engaging policymakers at all levels, as their involvement is essential for driving systemic change through policy interventions. In the meantime, keep an eye out for our upcoming campaign, Toxic Business: Alternatives and Solutions, as we strive for a future with healthier, safer farming practices and food for all.
