A study has revealed that the planned withdrawal of eight active ingredients from pest control products could destabilize the agricultural sector, jeopardize food security, and reduce exports. Set to be implemented by December, this change has faced opposition from informed growers. The research was conducted by aakGROW, an umbrella organization representing various stakeholders in Kenya’s pest control industry.
According to the study, this withdrawal will significantly impact 31 critical crops, including maize, wheat, potatoes, flowers, tea, and coffee—key components of the agricultural economy. It predicts a potential 42.8% decrease in crop yields and a 17.6% decline in farmers’ incomes by the end of 2025, driven by limited pest management options.
The study emphasizes the need for a thorough assessment of these regulatory decisions to support the agricultural sector during this transition. It criticizes the planned withdrawal, stating that over half of the affected ingredients pose no established risk to humans, animals, or the environment.
In its analysis, the study found that the withdrawal would impact pest control for over 105 pests across the identified crops, which include staples, major exports, and commonly consumed vegetables. The absence of effective crop protection measures could result in a 10.1% decrease in the output of these crops by 2025.
Notably, 16 of the 27 crops examined are expected to fail to return to 2024 output levels by 2034. The study predicts significant declines in the production of cucumbers, cabbages, kales, and French beans, with reductions of over 30% by 2025. Other crops, such as tomatoes, eggplant, and tea, are anticipated to see declines of more than 20%.
In terms of financial impact, the analysis translates crop volume losses into value based on 2022 prices, indicating that losses will be particularly severe for high-value crops. By 2025, total income losses for farmers could reach Sh124.6 billion, with cumulative losses of Sh487.78 billion by 2034.
Overall, the impact on farmers, including lost sales and increased food replacement costs, could exceed Sh1 trillion over the next decade, exacerbating food insecurity. The study notes that Kenya is already grappling with high food insecurity, with per capita calorie intake falling below the African average. The crops affected by these withdrawals account for 63% of calories consumed in the country.
Pest control products in Kenya are regulated by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), which periodically reassesses these products for safety. A review initiated by the PCPB in 2020 has led to the decision to withdraw certain active ingredients, including Pymetrozine and Chlorothalonil.
In support of farmers and food security, aakGROW funded this comprehensive study to evaluate the anticipated effects of withdrawing specific pest control products. Board chairman Wachira Mureithi highlighted the lack of effective communication regarding the withdrawals, warning that this could lead to significant losses in crop production.
