By Daniel Karibwije
Bees are foot soldiers responsible for food production. No mechanisation or agricultural extension workers can replace bees in the role play. They pollinate plants which produce the food on your plate.
The present rampant indiscriminate use of agrochemicals is leading to the death of bees. The release of the Parish Development Model cash has created excitement and increased sales of chemicals to rural farmer communities.
In the short term, they kill pests and fight diseases but at the same time kill bees — the miracle workers of food production. Simply put, without bees, the food economy is dead.
Weedmaster wipes out earthworms from the soil. These tiny creatures may appear insignificant but they are responsible for opening up the earth with burrows allowing easy percolation of water.
The earthworm’s movements leave behind tunnels in the soil, allowing water from rain and irrigation to sink deep into the ground. The death of earthworms affects output per acre.
In the short run, the impact may not appear visible but the consequences affect income generation. Water is at the centre of food production and if the roots of plants do not get access to water, then it is game over.
Agrochemicals are killing bird populations, which transport fruit and tree seeds, creating biodiversity in forests. Biodiversity is the king of food production. Farmers should be guided not to undertake extreme measures in one area at the expense of another.
The world’s population is increasing and food demand is on the rise. The excitement of meeting market demand at whatever cost will affect the organic label that Uganda is holding onto.
The country is known as the food basket of East Africa with long trucks driving straight to farmer gardens and exiting to Kenya, South Sudan and other countries in the region.
The maximum residue levels of chemicals should be tested and recorded for follow-up. Research into organic pesticides will play a better role in ensuring that biodiversity is maintained so that bees, earthworms and other living organisms create a robust food chain.
Harmony in the environment ensures the sustainability of the economy. Agrochemicals are a time bomb in Uganda’s quest to become a leading exporter of organic products.
With the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, most products — including honey — are getting high levels of contaminants. There is also a rise in the number of cancer cases. Why are there more cases of cancer today than 30 years ago?
Fingers can be pointed to the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Some chemicals are used at the post-harvesting stage to increase shelf life.
Organic products command a higher price on the international market. Many farmers are rushing to buy agrochemicals irrespective of the consequences.
Vibrant ecosystem with biodiversity in mind promote good health. People are eating vegetables full of pesticides. Food safety is important for consumer protection in local, regional and international markets.
Vibrant ecosystems health will ensure sustainable agriculture production in the short, medium and long term. If we continue the current trend, Uganda will be red-flagged.
Bees are the silent soldiers that keep humanity alive. Pesticides are leading to the genocide of entire bee populations. Bees promote agricultural production and the food economy.
Protecting and conserving biodiversity is required for economic development. Agricultural production is part of a wider ecosystem.
Organisations like Nature Uganda are more than willing to guide policymakers before Uganda reaches the point of no return. Pragmatism is required by all stakeholders. We shall pay a high price for polluting the environment.
Daniel Karibwije is an Export Trade Specialist
