The story

Agriculture forms the backbone of many national economies, supporting the livelihoods of millions. However, global challenges, including climate change, are accelerating the spread of crop pests and diseases. Increasingly, they drive smallholder farmers to rely on pesticides. 

Smallholder farmers use pesticides to avoid severe pest damage, which can lead to devastating crop losses, sometimes wiping out entire livelihoods. In their effort to manage these risks, misuse of pesticides can occur. This endangers consumers, the environment, and even the users themselves. Sustainable and nature-based solutions can offer a safer path forward. 

Reducing the risks posed by pesticides 

Across Africa and Asia, CABI is working with partners to reduce pesticide risks and support the introduction of lower-risk plant protection products such as biopesticides. 

The CABI-led PlantwisePlus programme is committed to this goal. In Uganda, the programme is working closely with government authorities, taking innovative steps to leverage the power of thousands of agro-dealers. These input specialists are well-positioned to share plant protection advice with smallholders. Through certification and training, CABI is enhancing the skills of the country’s agro-dealers. Once trained in sustainable approaches, they share their knowledge with smallholders, boosting safer pesticide handling, protection and storage, and use of pesticide alternatives. 

In Kenya, the award-winning PlantwisePlus campaign, Ukulima True, has reduced pesticide risk. The campaign is influencing smallholder farmers’ behaviour around pesticide use, fostering safer practices. With the farmer at the centre, the campaign’s social and behaviour-change strategy focuses on five interconnected groups. It has developed different communication strategies for each group. It then shares knowledge about lower-risk practices and products with each one and incentivizes them to change. 

In Pakistan, CABI has been working with the government to introduce biopesticide registration guidance. The country’s regulations have previously focused on registering chemical pesticides. However, the aim is to integrate more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches into pest management, which includes biopesticides. The government held consultations with a broad range of stakeholders. It then approved biopesticide registration guidance developed by CABI and its partners in January 2024. The guidance will help revolutionize crop protection in Pakistan. 

Delivering impact on pesticide risk reduction 

Agro-dealer training has reaped rewards in Uganda. By August 2024, 623 agro-dealers had received training. Moreover, a total of 487 had earned certificates to operate as agro-dealers. Through knowledge sharing, these input experts are now improving farmer safety. Agro-dealers have reported how farmers have stopped eating while spraying and no longer transport pesticides with food. Some agro-dealers no longer sell the most hazardous products and have started to promote lower-risk alternatives. They have also reported how farmers have increased their use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

The Ukulima True campaign in Kenya has been a great success. Its early stages saw a 26% rise in farmers engaging in risk reduction behaviours such as pest monitoring, PPE use and sprayer calibration. In 2024, the campaign collaborated with local partners, scaling up across parts of Nakuru, Nyandarua and Trans Nzoia counties, amplifying the campaign’s reach. Young people were trained as spray service providers, reducing pesticide risks and boosting agri-entrepreneurship and incomes in their communities. The campaign recently won a silver DMA award in sustainability. 

Pakistan’s newly approved biopesticide registration guidance is set to be a game-changer. Its adoption legislates into action a sustainable approach to managing crop pests and diseases. Over time, it will grow and strengthen the country’s biopesticide market.