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<p>Africa faces growing challenges related to food security due to population growth, climate change, and inadequate agricultural productivity. Understanding how pesticide use affects food production is necessary. Although international regulation and awareness may have increased, the use of banned pesticides,&#xa0;herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and nematicides,&#xa0;remains commonplace in sub-Saharan Africa. These chemicals, known as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), have been banned or severely restricted because of their long-term negative effects on human health and the environment. However, weak enforcement of regulations, informal markets, and limited farmer education contribute to their continued use. This opinion article addresses the current status of banned pesticide use in select African countries, examines the consequences for public health and environmental sustainability, outlines necessary strategies for data collection, and offers policy recommendations to reduce the associated risks. The findings highlight the urgent need for a unified continental policy, stronger institutional capacity, and integrated pest management approaches to protect the future of agriculture in Africa.</p>

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Science for Africa’s future food security: analysing the impacts of banned pesticide use on agriculture and health

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月25日

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  • Abdul Salami Bah,
  • Yongqiang Wang

摘要

Africa faces growing challenges related to food security due to population growth, climate change, and inadequate agricultural productivity. Understanding how pesticide use affects food production is necessary. Although international regulation and awareness may have increased, the use of banned pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and nematicides, remains commonplace in sub-Saharan Africa. These chemicals, known as Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), have been banned or severely restricted because of their long-term negative effects on human health and the environment. However, weak enforcement of regulations, informal markets, and limited farmer education contribute to their continued use. This opinion article addresses the current status of banned pesticide use in select African countries, examines the consequences for public health and environmental sustainability, outlines necessary strategies for data collection, and offers policy recommendations to reduce the associated risks. The findings highlight the urgent need for a unified continental policy, stronger institutional capacity, and integrated pest management approaches to protect the future of agriculture in Africa.