IBMA Kenya with funding from the Netherlands Embassy in Kenya came together for a joint collaboration project with Pest Control Products Board to build capacity on Biopesticides Registration and provide sensitization on Integrated Pest Management Use in Kenya.
The aim of this project was/is to create awareness on Integrated Pest Management to farmers and spray service providers and build capacity of regulatory staff of agrochemical companies on requirements of registration of biopesticides.
The activities for the joint collaboration project between IBMA Kenya, PCPB and the Netherlands Embassy were a success. The details for the activities are as follows:
1. Sensitization on IPM and Biopesticides for Chiakariga security team on 27th Nov, 2024 at the Deputy County Commissioner’s Board Room, Chiakariga Sub-county Tharaka Nithi County.
The sensitization event aimed to educate the security team on several critical aspects of pest management and sustainable agriculture;
1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines various methods and practices to minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
2. Registered Biopesticides: The team was informed about the biopesticides registered for use in Kenya which are considered safer for humans and the environment compared to synthetic pesticides.
3. Sustainable Horticulture and Food Crops Production: The sensitization emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in food crop production such as using biopesticides and IPM techniques to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby promoting healthier crops and ecosystems.
4. Statutory Requirements and Enforcement: The security team was made aware of the dangers of using unregistered pesticides and the illegal recycling of empty pesticide containers, which can pose significant health risks.
5. Collaborative Enforcement: The sensitization aimed to foster collaboration between the security team and agricultural authorities to enforce these regulations effectively.
By working together, they can help prevent the misuse of pesticides and promote safer agricultural practices.
This comprehensive approach ensured that the security team is well-equipped to support sustainable agriculture and protect public health in their community.
2. Farmer field day Sensitization on Integrated Pest Management and Responsible Use of Pesticides Activity in Tharaka Nithi County on 28th November, 2024 at the Chief’s Camp, Ruungu Market,Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County.
The Farmer Field Day was an educational event aimed at empowering farmers with knowledge and practical skills. The event typically involved:
1. Introduction to IPM: Farmers learned about Integrated Pest Management, which is a sustainable approach to managing pests that combines different strategies and practices to minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
2. Demonstrations: Hands-on demonstrations and workshops showed farmers how to implement IPM techniques in their fields. This include crop rotation, use of beneficial insects, and other ecological practices.
3. Responsible Use of Pesticides: Education on the safe and responsible use of pesticides was a key component. Farmers learned about the correct application methods, timing, and dosages to minimize environmental impact and health risks.
4. Community Involvement: The event encouraged community participation and collaboration among farmers, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective learning.
5. Benefits of IPM: Discussions on the benefits of IPM, such as improved crop yields, reduced pest problems, increased profits, and better health outcomes for farmers and consumers were crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring that farmers have the tools and knowledge to manage their crops effectively while protecting their health and the environment.
3. Sensitization workshop on registration requirements for Biopesticides on Thursday 28th November 2024 at the PCPB Headquarters, Nairobi County.
The workshop focused on the registration requirements for biopesticides aiming to educate the 72 participants from different agrochemical companies on the necessary steps and regulations for registering biopesticides in Kenya. Here are some key points that were covered:
1. Application Process: Detailed instructions on how to apply for biopesticide registration, including the forms and documentation required.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Information on the Pest Control Products (Registration) Regulations, which outline the criteria for safety, efficacy, quality, and economic value of pest control products.
3. Technical Information: Guidance on the technical information needed for registration, such as biological efficacy trials, physicochemical studies, toxicological, ecotoxicological, and residue studies.
4. Confidential Business Information: How to handle and submit confidential business information during the registration process.
5. Submission and Evaluation: Procedures for submitting samples and the evaluation process by the PCPB.
This workshop was crucial for anyone involved in the production, distribution, or regulation of biopesticides, ensuring they understood and complied with the necessary legal and technical requirements.
4. Sensitization to Spray Service Providers on IPM and Biopesticides Workshop for Western Region, at Bishop Muge Misson centre, Kitale Trans Nzoia County on 16th & 17th December.
Agriculture is a fundamental activity in Trans Nzoia County with most of the county’s population involved in the production of food crops, horticultural crops, and cash crops.
For this reason, there is notable heavy reliance on conventional pesticides, which are primarily associated with health risks to humans and the environment.
In order to address this, IBMA and PCPB planned an activity that involved creating awareness to Spray Service Providers from the five administrative sub counties in Trans Nzoia county namely Kiminini, Saboti, Cherang’any, Endebess and Kwanza on IPM and Biopesticides.
The two-day workshop had 35 participants. It ensured that the Spray Service Providers got thorough training on pest and disease diagnosis, IPM, biopesticides in pest management, the pesticide label, pictograms, colour codes, toxicity & hazards, identification and sources of illegal pesticides and the registered biopesticides available in the market.
On the second day the spray service providers were trained on personal protective equipment, parts and functions of knapsack sprayer, knapsack sprayer calibration, pesticides dosage calculation, responsible handling of pesticides, basic pesticide record keeping and the do’s and don’ts of pesticide application.
The workshop culminated with a field visit to a nearby avocado farm using biopesticides to successfully manage pests.
Overall, the workshop’s objective was to promote the use of biopesticides and enhance the responsible use of pesticides thus encouraging farmers and SSPs to adopt safer pest control strategies that ensure food safety.
This workshop was crucial for enhancing the knowledge and skills of spray service providers, ensuring they can effectively support sustainable agriculture and protect public health in their communities
