In a groundbreaking move towards safer farming practices, CONSENT joined forces with leading organizations to push for a ban on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) in Africa. Representatives from Oxfam (Novib, Brazil, South Africa, Niger, and Uganda), the Workers on Farms Project (WFP), Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF Uganda, and the Food Safety Coalition Uganda (FoSCU) gathered in a strategic meeting to forge partnerships and mobilize resources for a pesticide-free future on the continent.
The meeting, marked by a spirit of collaboration and urgency, saw the teams agree to jointly engage more stakeholders and gather the necessary resources to advance the cause of eliminating HHPs from Africa. This strategic alliance is expected to strengthen efforts to find healthier alternatives and develop sustainable agricultural practices across the region.
During the two-day People’s Tribunal on Agro Toxins held in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, the Head of Programs at CONSENT, Mr. Bwambale Bernard, participated at the tribunal that highlighted the severe impact of HHPs on farm workers. The tribunal provided a platform for farm workers to share their personal stories and the harsh realities of exposure to these dangerous chemicals. Many described their struggles with asthma, chronic health issues, skin infections, and even loss of sight, while also recounting the heart-breaking loss of family members due to the chemicals used on large commercial farms.
The event featured numerous technical and research presentations that offered scientific evidence on the health, environmental, and social impacts of HHPs. Three independent judges listened closely to the community’s concerns and, after careful deliberation, recommended an outright ban on these hazardous substances.
This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards creating a safer, healthier Africa. By uniting voices from different corners of the continent and beyond, the coalition aims to ensure that future generations can enjoy a life free from the adverse effects of harmful pesticides while promoting sustainable and just agricultural practices.
As the movement gains momentum, the commitment to protect the health of farm workers and the environment stands as a beacon of hope for communities across Africa.
