A major regional programme aimed at reducing the use of highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture has been launched in East Africa, marking a significant step towards safer food production and environmental protection across the region.
The three-year initiative, funded by the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Fund under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), brings together Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia in a coordinated effort to help farmers shift away from Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) and adopt safer and more sustainable farming practices.
The programme was officially introduced in Dar es Salaam during a two-day inception workshop held from May 22 to 23, 2026. It is being coordinated by Tanzania’s environmental organisation AGENDA, which will oversee implementation across the region.
According to organisers, the initiative is designed to support smallholder farmers, who are the most affected by the risks associated with chemical pesticides, while also promoting a long-term transformation of agricultural systems towards safer and climate-resilient practices.
Stakeholders say the continued use of highly toxic pesticides has remained a major concern, particularly in the production of crops such as cotton and vegetables, where farmers often rely heavily on chemical solutions to control pests and diseases.
However, experts warn that this dependence on hazardous chemicals comes with serious consequences, including contamination of water sources, residues in food, loss of biodiversity and long-term health risks for both farmers and consumers.
Health authorities have also raised concerns about pesticide-related poisoning. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 77,000 deaths in 2016 were linked to unintentional poisoning, while more than 155,000 deaths were associated with self-poisoning involving pesticides, highlighting the global urgency to reduce exposure to such chemicals.
Through the new programme, farmers will be trained in agroecology, a farming approach that relies on natural methods to control pests and diseases.
This includes practices such as crop rotation, improved soil management, use of natural pest control methods and protection of biodiversity.
The aim is to help farmers maintain or even improve productivity while reducing dependence on harmful chemicals that threaten human health and the environment.
The programme will also support the development and wider availability of safer alternatives, addressing one of the main challenges that has forced many farmers to continue using hazardous pesticides due to lack of accessible solutions.
International organisations are also playing a key role in the initiative. Groups such as Pesticide Action Network International and Pesticide Action Network UK will contribute their expertise in promoting safer pest management and building farmer capacity.
In Kenya, Rainforest Alliance will support farmers to access organic certification, a move expected to increase market opportunities and improve incomes for farmers adopting sustainable practices.
The programme also connects with similar efforts in West Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Senegal, allowing countries to share experiences and strengthen the overall impact of safer agriculture across the continent.
Overall, the initiative is expected to reach at least 3,000 smallholder farmers in East Africa. Beyond improving yields, it aims to build a farming system that protects human health, safeguards the environment and supports long-term food security.
Officials say the shift away from highly hazardous pesticides is not only about environmental protection but also about improving the quality and safety of food, while helping farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and market demands.
As the programme begins, East Africa is joining a growing global movement to promote safer, healthier and more sustainable agriculture for present and future generations.
