Pesticides and their utilisation. A profile for Uganda

Abstract

The paper is a report of an on-going investigation into the quality and quantity of pesticides imported into Uganda and how candidate pesticides for importation are selected. Also under investigation is the method of distribution of the pesticides from importers to farmers and their management at the farm.

The investigation reveals that owing to improper documentation by the importers, it is at present virtually impossible to establish the quantities of pesticide imports. The study also shows that the present system does not allow for proper supervision of the quality of pesticides used in the country. It highlights the need for revision of the laws and setting up of an infrastructure to facilitate this supervision.

The study shows that although most farmers would be conscious of the toxicity of these pesticides, they are largely unaware of the possible long-term effects of poor handling of the pesticides, both to themselves and to the environment.