Nairobi:The agricultural sector in Kenya is grappling with two major issues impacting pest management: the influx of illicit agricultural products through porous borders and a diminishing array of pest-control products available to farmers.
According to Kenya News Agency, aaK-Grow CEO Joel Mutai highlighted the difficulty in quantifying counterfeit agricultural products’ prevalence but acknowledged that regulatory enforcement since 2021 has reduced market counterfeiting. However, illicit products are still entering Kenya in small quantities, complicating detection and enforcement efforts.
Mutai pointed out that some illicit products are smuggled into the country via informal means, such as motorcycles, allowing traders to evade detection. He emphasized the need for farmers to cooperate with authorities by providing information and urged the government to intensify raids and prosecutions related to the illegal trade. Additionally, he stressed the importance of awareness campaigns to protect farmers from counterfeit products.
The challenges are further compounded by changes in European regulations, which are decreasing the range of pest-control products available to Kenyan farmers while maintaining compliance with export market requirements. Mutai warned that these regulatory changes are constraining the “toolbox” for farmers amid rising threats from pests and diseases.
Kenya Editors Guild (KEG) CEO Linda Bach underscored the media’s role in helping the public understand agricultural issues, particularly in pest management and food safety. Bach called for journalists to access credible information to report accurately and enable informed decisions by farmers and consumers. She also advocated for media engagement with scientists and industry experts to translate technical information effectively.
Meanwhile, AAK Grow board member Nelson Gacuiri emphasized the need for collaboration among government bodies, farmers, and other stakeholders to ensure effective pest management. He highlighted the broader implications of pest management on food security, public health, and the environment, calling for the promotion of science-based information and responsible agricultural product use. The discussions were part of a stakeholder engagement organized by aaK-Grow and the Kenya Editors Guild.
