ECOWAS pesticide registration harmonization set to transform West Africa’s Agricultural Industry

Industry leaders and stakeholders in the agricultural sector from West African countries gathered for the″Information and Exchange Workshop″ in Accra, Ghana, marking a significant milestone in the operationalization of the West African Pesticide Registration Committee (WAPRC).

The event, aimed at addressing regulatory challenges and fostering collaboration, was lauded by experts as a pivotal moment for harmonizing pesticide registration systems within the ECOWAS and Sahel region.

The workshop, organized by the Institut du Sahel (INSAH) of the Inter-states Permanent Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), in partnership with ECOWAS and West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), is part of ongoing efforts to streamline regulatory processes for pesticides across West Africa and the Sahel.

Speaking on behalf of Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Director of Plant Protection and Regulatory Services, Ghana, Eric Bentsil Quaye stressed the workshop’s significance in enhancing agricultural productivity across West Africa.

Despite the usefulness and the significant contribution of pesticides in improving agricultural productivity, we no longer need to remind you of the importance of regulating them given the hazardous nature of these products and the health and environmental consequences of their misuse,″ he remarked.

Mr. Quaye noted the region’s ongoing food production struggles, with only 60% of rice demand being met locally. He also pointed to the damaging effects of climate change particularly pest infestations, which result in a 40% annual loss in potential agricultural yields.

″In some countries, between 70% and 90% of pesticides sold on the market are not registered,″ he added, emphasizing the need for coordinated regulatory action at the subregional level.

Before the opening remarks from M. Quaye the representative of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Ghana, Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, Executive Director of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Dr Sylvain Nafiba OUEDRAOGO, Deputy Executive Secretary of CILSS respectively gave welcome remarks and set the context for the operationalization of WAPRC.

The workshop builds on initiatives stemming from the 2018 Pesticides Cooperation Agreement between ECOWAS, WAEMU, and CILSS, which gave the CILSS leadership over the WAPRC. The Accra meeting followed a previous session in Abidjan in July 2022, with participants focusing on post-registration pesticide monitoring and addressing the backlog of unregistered and obsolete chemicals.

Ghana’s agricultural strategy, particularly the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) II program, was also highlighted. The government is striving for 13% self-sufficiency in food production by the end of 2024, despite setbacks from a severe 2024 dry spell. The government has allocated GH¢8 billion in relief efforts for affected farmers, with the Ministry expressing optimism that these initiatives will restore stability to the sector.

In an interview, Kadiri Rashad, Executive Director of CropLife Ghana, underscored the importance of this event for the pesticide industry, stating, ″This event is very, very important because we got to understand the regulatory information in terms of the West African Pesticide Registration Platform. The absence of harmonized regulations has led to issues of counterfeiting, pest resistance management, and difficulties with dossier submissions. The new e-submission platform will make it easier for companies to submit dossiers, improving accessibility.″

He highlighted the potential market expansion, noting that the harmonization will resolve long-standing challenges related to product registration and movement between regions. ″Markets are now going to be expanded, product registration lists distributed, and companies will have a wider market share. While the changes may take time, the industry will come to appreciate how this registration procedure smoothens the process,″ Rashad added.

Tuo Khady, Regulatory Manager at WCA, also emphasized the significance of harmonization for industry leaders.

″Harmonization of the pesticide registration system within ECOWAS is crucial for us as a leader in the agricultural industry. It will reduce the complexity of navigating different countries, reduce workloads, and cut costs related to registration fees. Better access to markets will accelerate our strategy in the region, and for farmers, this means access to better crop protection products that ensure environmental and human safety.″

Khady also pointed to the challenges posed by the absence of free movement for agricultural inputs across the region, stating, ″One product may be sold in Côte d’Ivoire but not allowed in Ghana, which makes traceability difficult. Post-registration monitoring and the high cost of multiple registration systems remain key challenges.″

As the workshop comes to a close, stakeholders are hopeful that these changes will pave the way for a more unified, efficient, and competitive agricultural industry across the ECOWAS region, benefitting both the industry and farmers alike.