PlantwisePlus is supporting the development of a national pesticide residue monitoring framework for Kenya

The CABI-led global PlantwisePlus programme is supporting the development of a national pesticide residue monitoring framework for Kenya amid concerns that incorrect use of pesticides can pose a significant risk to food safety.

Scientists from CABI’s regional centre for Africa have so far supported the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) of Kenya and the Kenya Plant Health Inspection Service (KEPHIS) to hold three virtual meetings on the issue of pesticide residues.

The meetings, which were supported by Dr Shanker Reddy, from the USDA Pesticide Data Program and Dr Ian Reichstein, former Director of the Australian National Residue Survey, also included representatives from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana, the Ministry of Health, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, Universities, Minor Use Foundation and COLEAD among the participants.

Food safety concern

The detection of pesticide residues on crops can signal problems – for example, when they are present at levels exceeding the maximum residue level, they indicate that a pesticide was used incorrectly and may also signal a food safety concern.

When pesticides are detected on a crop that they are not registered for, then this may signal issues such as residues of persistent pesticides in the soil or water, spray drift, off-label usage or counterfeits.

Furthermore, when banned or illegal pesticides are detected, this is a sign of larger market problems such as illegal imports or environmental contamination. The absence of pesticide residues is also an important testament to quality assurance.

Evidence-based food safety risk management of pesticide residues

Dr Melanie Bateman, CABI’s Integrated Crop Management Advisor, said, ″National partners in Kenya have identified a strategic need for the development of a formal, coordinated pesticide residue monitoring framework to support evidence-based food safety risk management of pesticide residues.

″The PlantwisePlus programme, as part of its Pesticide Risk Reduction pathway, has been supporting the government of Kenya to address this need with a series of three virtual meetings.

″The Pesticide Risk Reduction pathway is focused on raising awareness of, access to, and use of affordable integrated pest management solutions. By working closely with national and local government entities, commercial enterprises, and farmers, we identify opportunities to reduce pesticide-related risks. Information on pesticide residues in food can help to identify risks and opportunities for risk reduction.

″This includes identifying and implementing classical biocontrol methods and harnessing the potential of augmentative biocontrol and biopesticide solutions to reduce the impact of priority pests.″

Pesticide residue monitoring programmes

Dr Bateman added that – following the first meeting on 30 May  – agencies leading pesticide residue monitoring activities were asked to respond to a situation assessment questionnaire on pesticide residue monitoring programmes in the two countries.

The second virtual meeting on 3 July focused on exploring analytical capacities for monitoring programs and minimum requirements to establish national pesticide residue monitoring programmes.

The general outline of the steps to take to develop a national pesticide residue monitoring framework was also discussed, and participants identified priority topics for further discussion.

The third virtual meeting on 23 July further examined roles and responsibilities in pesticide monitoring programmes, and information needed to support programme development.

Update stakeholders on progress and to get their feedback

Dr Bateman said, ″The next step will be a visit by an international expert from the US to KEPHIS and PCPB, to be followed by a write-shop to begin drafting the national pesticide residue monitoring framework.

″Following the write-shop, a meeting will be convened to update stakeholders on progress and to get their feedback.″

CABI’s capabilities include its digital support tools such as the CABI BioProtection Portal, Crop Sprayer App, and Pest Management Decision Guides within the PlantwisePlus Knowledge Bank.