DAR ES SALAAM: RESEARCHERS and agricultural stakeholders have expressed concern over the lack of awareness surrounding the proper use of bio-based pesticides, which is limiting their adoption among farmers in the country.
This gap has led to excessive reliance on chemicalbased inputs, posing risks to crops, soil and consumers.
The concerns were raised over the weekend during a meeting held at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), aimed at bringing together researchers, policymakers, government regulators and industry players. The discussion focused on strategies to increase the use of bio-based pesticides while reducing chemical-based inputs to protect crops and the environment.
Lead Researcher for the Agrobiological Project and a lecturer at UDSM, Dr Mesiah Ilomo highlighted the minimal adoption of bio-pesticides due to limited awareness and their relatively high costs.
“Low awareness among farmers about the benefits and application of bio-based pesticides is a key reason for convening this meeting. The government must strengthen efforts to identify areas where awareness and usage can be increased,” said Dr Ilomo.
She added that the meeting sought to unite various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, government officials, agrochemical companies, and other partners, to explore ways of promoting these safer alternatives.
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“Through our discussions, it is clear that challenges exist, but we’ve also agreed to combine efforts to tackle them. For instance, registration costs for bio-pesticide products are significantly higher in Tanzania compared to other countries. We are exploring ways to draft proposals for regulatory reforms,” she noted.
A researcher and pesticide supervisor from the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), Mr Ramadhani Kilewa, revealed that while most bio-pesticides are currently imported, local production has begun, with some factories already manufacturing them domestically.
“Our role focuses on enforcing policies and ensuring compliance with established standards. Although bio-pesticides are generally considered safe, their production, registration, importation, distribution, and sale must follow strict regulations to guarantee their quality and safety for humans, animals, and the environment,” said Mr Kilewa.
He referenced the Plant Health Act No 104 of 2020, which outlines the regulatory framework for bio-pesticides, ensuring their proper production and use.
Senior lecturer from the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) Ramadhani Majubwa stated that their research aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of organic farming technologies.
This would encourage small-scale farmers to adopt these innovations. A farmer, Ms Jackline Mbando, shared her success with bio-pesticides, noting their positive impact on her crops and market access.
“Using bio-based pesticides has helped me avoid market challenges. I also train my clients on their usage and encourage other farmers to adopt these methods as an example for others,” she said.
