By Isaac Eranga
.jpg)
Despite increasing global restrictions and international commitments to reduce pesticide-related risks, many HHPs remain readily accessible and widely used in Edo State due to affordability, limited awareness of alternatives, and weak regulatory enforcement.
To this end, the Sustainable Environment Development Initiative (SEDI) outlines possible risks posed by HHPs, highlights proven and context-appropriate alternatives, and proposes practical, phased actions the Edo State Government can adopt to support a just transition toward safer, more resilient agricultural systems.
According to SEDI through her Executive Director- Dr. Tom Aneni, said "decisive action will reduce preventable health burdens, protect biodiversity, improve food safety, strengthen market competitiveness, and align Edo State with national priorities and global sustainable development commitments.
According to Dr. Aneni, "agriculture remains a cornerstone of Edo State’s economy, food security framework, and rural livelihoods, with a significant proportion of households depending directly or indirectly on crop production and related value chains for their income and sustenance.
" However, the increasing reliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) presents significant risks to human health, environmental sustainability, and long-term agricultural productivity in the state.
"Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) are chemicals recognized internationally for their high acute or chronic toxicity, environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, or irreversible health impacts. According to the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, HHPs are those acknowledged to present particularly high levels of hazard to health and/or the environment, based on internationally accepted classification systems like the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). While HHPs are often viewed as quick solutions to pest problems, their continued use generates hidden costs that undermine public health, degrade ecosystems, and threaten food safety.
"In Edo State, like many other regions in Nigeria, there is a rising concern about the widespread use of these dangerous pesticides, which poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. The state faces several challenges in managing pesticide use effectively, with limited awareness among farmers and a lack of adequate training on the safe handling of chemicals. This misuse has led to widespread environmental degradation, including soil and water contamination, and has contributed to rising cases of pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers and local communities.
"Despite the growing recognition of these risks, the use of HHPs in Edo State persists due to their accessibility, affordability, and perceived effectiveness in pest control. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of adequate regulatory frameworks and monitoring systems to control the use of these toxic chemicals. Furthermore, there is a dearth of alternative pest management practices that are locally appropriate and sustainable, which could significantly reduce the state’s reliance on harmful pesticides.
Speaking about public health implications in HHP use, Dr. Aneni said "Farmers and pesticide applicators face direct exposure during mixing, spraying, and handling of toxic chemicals, often without adequate protective gear. Acute health effects commonly reported include headaches, dizziness, nausea, skin irritation, respiratory distress, and, in severe cases, fatalities.
"Repeated low-dose exposure over time has been associated with chronic health conditions such as cancers, neurological disorders, hormonal disruption, kidney and liver damage, and reproductive health problems. These outcomes reduce productivity, increase healthcare costs, and place long-term pressure on households and health systems.
"Chemical residues on food crops sold in local markets also pose significant food safety risks, exposing consumers, including children and pregnant women, to cumulative dietary exposure".
In the area of environmental and agricultural implications, SEDI boss said highly hazardous pesticides adversely affect non-target organisms, including pollinators, natural pest predators, birds, aquatic species, and soil organisms. He said the decline of these species weakens ecosystem services essential for crop production and resilience.
"The destruction of beneficial soil microorganisms disrupts nutrient cycling, reduces soil organic matter, and contributes to declining soil fertility. Over time, this increases dependence on external inputs and reduces yield stability.
"Runoff, leaching, and improper disposal of pesticides contaminate surface and groundwater sources, threatening aquatic ecosystems and community water supplies. Excessive pesticide use also accelerates pest resistance and resurgence, locking farmers into a cycle of escalating chemical use and rising production costs".
On the socio-economic implications, SEDI has it that the treatment of pesticide-related illnesses increases household and public healthcare expenditures, diverting resources from other development priorities. In addition, failure to meet food safety and residue standards limits access to premium domestic and international markets, particularly for export-oriented crops.
"Women and children are disproportionately affected, as women often participate in farm labor and produce trading, while children living near farms face increased exposure due to biological vulnerability and limited protection".
In suggesting ways for viable and sustainable alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides, Dr. Aneni has this to say: "Transitioning away from HHPs does not require sacrificing productivity. Instead, it involves adopting integrated and knowledge-based approaches that improve pest control while reducing risks.
"Integrated Pest Management emphasizes prevention, monitoring, and ecological balance, with chemical pesticides used only as a last resort. Biological control methods using natural predators, parasitoids, and microbial agents offer targeted pest suppression with minimal environmental impact.
"Cultural practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, timely planting, resistant varieties, and field sanitation reduce pest pressure and enhance system resilience. Mechanical and physical tools, including insect nets, pheromone traps, sticky traps, and hand-picking, are particularly effective in smallholder and vegetable systems.
"Botanical and low-toxicity pesticides derived from neem, garlic, pepper, and chrysanthemum degrade rapidly, reduce exposure risks, and offer opportunities for local production and enterprise development. Where chemical control is unavoidable, the use of lower-risk products combined with proper training and protective equipment significantly reduces harm".
SEDI gave the following Strategic Actions and Policy Recommendations:
Firstly, Regulatory and Policy Measures. It was recommended that the Edo State Government conducts a state-wide inventory of Highly Hazardous Pesticides to identify commonly used products, usage patterns, and high-risk areas. A phased and time-bound HHP phase-out plan should be developed, prioritizing substances that are internationally banned or restricted.
SEDI reiterated that strengthening market surveillance, licensing of agrochemical vendors, and enforcement of labeling and safety standards is essential. Incentives such as grants, procurement support, and tax relief should be introduced to promote safer alternatives and local biopesticide production.
Secondly, Capacity Building and Technical Support. SEDI emphasized that caling up farmer training through strengthened extension services and Farmer Field Schools across all senatorial districts is critical. Partnerships with academic institutions and research centers should be established to adapt pest management solutions to local crops and agro-ecological conditions.
Demonstration and learning farms should be developed to showcase profitable, HHP-free production systems and build farmer confidence in alternative approaches.
Furthermore,, Stakeholder Engagement and Implementation Pathways. SEDI recommended public awareness campaigns using radio, television, and community forums should educate farmers, traders, and consumers on pesticide risks and safer food production. A multi-stakeholder task force involving agriculture, environment, health, academia, farmer groups, and civil society organizations should be established to guide implementation.
Finally, Systems for the safe collection and disposal of obsolete pesticides and empty containers should be introduced to prevent environmental contamination and accidental reuse.
