Category Archives: News

In June, our colleague Robert from CropLife Africa Middle East had the opportunity to visit CropLife Zambia in Lusaka. Together with Ernest Muzukutwa, CEO of CropLife Zambia, they visited the Empty Pesticide Container (EPC) aggregation site at Agri Wes Centre in Mkushi District, Zambia. This site serves as a collection point where commercial farmers in the area responsibly deposit their triple-rinsed and punctured EPCs for further processing. The containers are shredded into chips and then transported to a recycler located in the Lusaka district.

This initiative exemplifies effective empty container management. The plant science industry, both globally and in Africa Middle East, has implemented stewardship initiatives to responsibly handle the entire life cycle of products, including the management of empty containers. Through programs like the Empty Container Management Program, recycling of these containers is promoted, leading to reduced emissions and supporting the shift towards a circular economy. By extending the lifespan of resources within the economy, we contribute to a more sustainable future.

On 16th May, CropLife Kenya & CropLife Africa Middle East held a productive Town Hall meeting in Nairobi on the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF). With 54 participants from the CropLife Network, regulatory authorities, and industry partners, the SPMF aims to revolutionize responsible pesticide management over five years. Through regulatory collaborations, enhanced poison information reporting centers, container management programs, and anti-counterfeit efforts, the SPMF fosters an environment of innovation and responsible pesticide use. It has been launched in Kenya (2021) and Morocco (2022). The meeting assessed progress since Kenya’s launch and discussed the next steps for each of the SPMF Pillars. We’re committed to reducing reliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides, driving innovation, and ensuring responsible and effective pesticide use.

From 9th to 11th May, CropLife South Africa supported by CropLife Africa Middle East, hosted a workshop with key stakeholders. The focus? Transitioning towards sustainable food production in South Africa. Engaging regulators and value chain representatives, the discussions showcased a collective commitment to achieving agricultural sustainability. Recognizing the importance of tailoring this transition to the unique characteristics of South Africa’s agricultural landscape, the goal is to ensure food security, facilitate free trade, and uplift farmers’ livelihoods.

Cooperation is the key to the success of Africa. With this in mind, Stella, Regulatory & Stakeholder Relations Director at CropLife AME, and Sylvain, West Central Africa Regional Director at CropLife AME, visited CropLife Senegal members in March to discuss cooperation and revitalization of the national association in Senegal.

This week, CropLife Africa Middle East attended the fourth meeting of the intersessional process in Nairobi, Kenya. The aim is to discuss recommendations for consideration at ICCM5, which will take place from 25-29 September 2023 in Bonn, Germany, regarding a Strategic Approach and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020. The ultimate aim is to notably prevent, or where not, minimise, harm of chemicals and waste to protect human health and the environment.

Today marks the final day of the discussions!