First "All Africa Congress on Synthetic Pesticides, Environment, Human and Animal Health"

Worldwide, an estimated 3.5 billion kilograms of pesticides are applied to crops each year, and that number is steadily increasing as developing nations are steadily transitioning over to chemical-based agriculture in a misguided and misinformed effort to increase yield and lower cost. According to the UN, 90% of synthetic pesticide fatalities come from developing countries and estimated costs from synthetic pesticide poisonings in sub-Saharan Africa now exceeds the total annual overseas development aid given to the African region for basic health services. By 2020, if not curbed, the accumulated cost of illness and injury linked to pesticides in small-scale farming in sub-Saharan Africa could reach US$90 billion. The “All-Africa Congress on Synthetic Pesticides, Environment, Human and Animal Health” has been organized to reduce the deadly impact of synthetic pesticides in Africa. It is the first congress of its kind, to bring together experts from the agricultural, environmental, and health sectors to strategically and effectively tackle this problem. The congress considers for the first time the total impact of synthetic pesticides on African populations, their animals, their living environment, and government/household economies. The most effective technologies and strategies to mitigate the negative impact of synthetic pesticide contaminations will be explored and recommendations made. The goals of the congress are to- Raise awareness of synthetic pesticide contaminations in the African continent through data and information sharing.- Document the impact of synthetic pesticides on human/animal health and the environment in the African continent.- Identify and disseminate effective and appropriate technologies and practices to reduce synthetic pesticide contaminations in the African continent.- Identify synthetic pesticide “skill gaps” and “technology gaps” in Africa’s educational and extension systems.- Identify effective strategies and policy interventions.- Provide a platform for participants to build networks and partnerships for resource mobilization geared toward synthetic pesticide reduction.- Generate a comprehensive action plan for the reduction of synthetic pesticide contamination in the African continent. More information