The issue of hunger and food insecurity is a major global concern as underscored by the Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
Unfortunately, there has been a significant surge in global hunger and food insecurity since 2015, which has been exacerbated by various factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, armed conflicts, climate change, and economic disparities.
In the face of all these growing challenges that the world is confronted with today, there is a call for urgent solutions, with the agricultural sector being a focal point for addressing them.
Farmers need sustainable solutions to fulfil demand, and crop protection products are of central importance in mitigating food insecurity and addressing the complex challenges associated with global hunger.
Pesticide is a broad term that encompasses various categories such as nematicides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and molluscicides, each designed for specific pest management purposes.
Responsible pesticide application by both modern and organic farmers presents a crucial avenue to ensure an adequate supply to farmers for both personal consumption and commercial purposes.
Proper utilization of crop protection products, has proven to yield long-term benefits, ranging from increased income for farms and agribusinesses to improved nutrition and health outcomes.
Additionally, they contribute to enhanced food safety, reduced post-harvest losses, upgraded quality of life because of good produce, diversification of viable crops, extended life expectancies, and reduced need for labor intense practices, and conserving biodiversity.
Improving food security is more than growing enough food for a growing population, it demands trust in the safety and quality of the food as well.
Multinational companies such as Bayer through its Crop Science division, have been at the forefront of championing crop protection.
Some of the interventions such as a comprehensive product stewardship program aim to share the knowledge needed to enhance safe and sustainable use of agrochemicals in line with international standards. The company has empowered its employees, including field agents, with relevant safe-use information.
They in turn share this information with their external key parties including farmers who are the end users of the product.
The safe use training entails reading and understanding the label, using the correct product and at the recommended dosage, calibration of application equipment and proper application, use of personal protective equipment, proper storage and transportation, personal hygiene, first aid measures, spillage management and proper disposal of empty product containers among others.
Responsible and suitable product stewardship practices are essential for high-quality products, compliance with legal requirements, trade facilitation, increase income sustainability, and minimizing risks to people and the environment.
"At the core of Bayer's crop protection initiatives is a commitment to compliance with established standards and thorough risk assessments. In Kenya, the company ensures that all products are certified by the Pesticide Control Products Board (PCPB) who ensures that all products must meet all the requirement standards and who regulates the importation, exportation, manufacture, distribution, transportation, sale, disposal, and safe use of pest control products to mitigate potential environmental harm. This demanding process keeps players like Bayer in check to ensure that consumers are protected against any harmful products," says Bayer's Crop Science Commercial Lead and Managing Director for East Africa, Joern Kraegeloh.
"Bayer's crop protection practices adhere to global standards and processes. Before any product is launched, it undergoes over 10 years of intense research and scientific study to ensure safety for humans and the environment," said Kraegeloh.
To further amplify the professionalization of agriculture and capacity building, Kraegeloh says they are partnering with other industry players, national regulators, policymakers and stakeholders along the value chain treatment professionals and dealers on how to use pesticides effectively.
This collaboration aims to increase yields and improve the quality of harvested crops.