In Kenya, glyphosate herbicide products are widely used in crop production. Glyphosate is an herbicide that is used to control weeds, and it is the most widely used herbicide worldwide. In Kenya, there are over 70 products registered containing glyphosate, out of 1,540 products approved for various uses in crop production.
Despite its widespread use, the future of glyphosate in Kenya is uncertain. There are concerns about the safety of glyphosate, with some studies linking it to cancer and other health problems. However, the Kenyan government has not yet banned glyphosate, and it continues to be used in crop production across the country.
This article will explore the use of glyphosate herbicide products in Kenya, including their benefits and risks. We will examine the current regulatory landscape for glyphosate in Kenya and the debate surrounding its safety. Additionally, we will discuss the potential alternatives to glyphosate and their effectiveness in crop production.
Overview of Glyphosate Herbicide
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in Kenya that is used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. It is the active ingredient in many herbicide products, including the popular Roundup. Glyphosate has been registered as a pesticide in Kenya since 1997 and is commonly used in many agricultural and non-agricultural areas.
Since its first registration, the safety and uses of glyphosate have been reviewed and reassessed by the Kenyan government. In 2019, the government banned the use of glyphosate herbicides in the country citing health concerns. However, in 2021, the ban was lifted, and the use of glyphosate herbicides was allowed under strict regulations.
Glyphosate herbicides are used in various sectors in Kenya, including agriculture, forestry, and landscaping. They are effective in controlling weeds and grasses, and they are relatively easy to use. Glyphosate herbicides are also relatively affordable compared to other herbicides, making them a popular choice among farmers and landscapers.
It is important to note that glyphosate herbicides can have negative impacts on human health and the environment if not used properly. Therefore, it is essential to follow the recommended application rates and safety precautions when using glyphosate herbicides.
In summary, glyphosate herbicides are widely used in Kenya to control weeds and grasses in various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, and landscaping. The safety and uses of glyphosate have been reviewed and reassessed by the government, and the use of glyphosate herbicides is allowed under strict regulations. However, it is important to use glyphosate herbicides properly to avoid negative impacts on human health and the environment.
Glyphosate Herbicide Products in Kenya
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in Kenya, with over 70 products containing glyphosate registered for various uses in crop production. Glyphosate-based herbicides are commonly used to control weeds in crops such as corn, soy, and cotton. These crops have been genetically modified to be resistant to glyphosate, making it easier for farmers to control weeds and increase yields.
Despite concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of glyphosate, Kenya has no plans to ban the use of glyphosate-based herbicides. The Kenyan government has stated that glyphosate is a safe and effective herbicide when used according to label instructions.
However, it is important for farmers and other users of glyphosate-based herbicides to follow label instructions carefully and take appropriate safety precautions when handling and applying the herbicide. This includes wearing protective clothing and equipment, avoiding contact with skin and eyes, and using the herbicide only in areas where it is approved for use.
It is also important for farmers to consider alternative methods of weed control, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrated pest management. These methods can help reduce reliance on herbicides and promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Controversies Surrounding Glyphosate Herbicide
Glyphosate herbicide products have been the subject of many controversies worldwide, including in Kenya. Some of the controversies surrounding glyphosate herbicide are:
- Health Risks: Glyphosate has been linked to various health risks such as cancer, endocrine-disruption, celiac disease, autism, effect on erythrocytes, leaky-gut syndrome, etc. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen and a non-carcinogenic chemical, respectively.
- Environmental Impact: Glyphosate has been reported to have negative impacts on the environment, including soil and water pollution, killing non-target plants and animals, and affecting biodiversity. Glyphosate has also been found to be toxic to bees, which are important pollinators of crops.
- Legal Issues: Glyphosate has faced several legal challenges, including lawsuits by individuals who claim that they developed cancer due to exposure to glyphosate herbicide products. Some countries have banned or restricted the use of glyphosate herbicide products, while others have allowed it to be used with certain restrictions.
Despite the controversies surrounding glyphosate herbicide products, they continue to be widely used in Kenya and other countries. Farmers use glyphosate herbicide products to control weeds and increase crop yields, while gardeners and homeowners use them to control weeds in their lawns and gardens.
It is important for users of glyphosate herbicide products to follow the recommended safety precautions, including wearing protective clothing and avoiding direct contact with the product. It is also important for regulatory agencies to continue monitoring the safety and environmental impact of glyphosate herbicide products and take appropriate action if necessary.
Regulatory Measures on Glyphosate Herbicide in Kenya
Kenya has not banned the use of glyphosate herbicide despite concerns that it causes cancer. The country’s regulators have not taken any action to restrict the use of this herbicide, and it is still widely used in the country. The government has not conducted any studies to determine the safety of glyphosate herbicide in Kenya.
The Kenyan government has not set any regulatory limits on the amount of glyphosate herbicide that can be used on crops. Farmers are free to use as much of the herbicide as they see fit. There are no regulations in place to monitor the use of glyphosate herbicide or to ensure that farmers use it safely.
There have been calls from civil society organizations and activists for the Kenyan government to ban the use of glyphosate herbicide. However, the government has not taken any action to address these concerns. The government has not responded to the recent court ruling in the US that ordered Bayer/Monsanto to pay damages to a man whose cancer was partly caused by the Roundup herbicide.
In conclusion, there are currently no regulatory measures in place in Kenya to restrict the use of glyphosate herbicide or to ensure its safe use. The government has not conducted any studies to determine the safety of glyphosate herbicide in Kenya, and there are no regulations in place to monitor its use. Civil society organizations and activists are calling for a ban on the use of glyphosate herbicide, but the government has not taken any action to address these concerns.
Conclusion
Kenya continues to allow the use of glyphosate-based herbicides despite the growing concerns over their safety. The controversy surrounding the safety of glyphosate-based herbicides is rooted in several methodological and normative factors. One of the primary concerns is the differences found in testing pure glyphosate compared to the testing of glyphosate formulations. The adjuvant chemicals found in formulations can be more toxic than the glyphosate itself.
While some countries have banned or restricted the use of glyphosate-based herbicides, Kenya has not taken any such action. However, it is important to note that the use of glyphosate-based herbicides is subject to regulation by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) in Kenya. The PCPB is responsible for ensuring that all pesticides, including glyphosate-based herbicides, are used in a safe and sustainable manner.
It is also worth noting that there are alternative weed management methods that can be used instead of glyphosate-based herbicides. These include crop rotation, cover crops, mulching, and mechanical weed control. Farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector in Kenya should explore these alternative methods to reduce their reliance on glyphosate-based herbicides.
In conclusion, while glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used in Kenya, there are concerns over their safety. It is important for the PCPB to continue to regulate the use of glyphosate-based herbicides to ensure that they are used in a safe and sustainable manner. Additionally, farmers and other stakeholders should explore alternative weed management methods to reduce their reliance on glyphosate-based herbicides.
Also Read: Active Ingredients In Herbicides
Sources: Sarkar, Swagata, et al. The use of pesticides in developing countries and their impact on health and the right to food. European Union, 2021. Link: https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/583698
Odino, Martin, and Darcy Ogada. “The Intentional Use of Pesticides as Poison in Kenya: Conservation and Ecohealth Impacts.” Wildlife Biodiversity Conservation: Multidisciplinary and Forensic Approaches. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2021. 421-438. Link: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-64682-0_16
