Category Archives: News

CropLife at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress, Part 2

Did you know?
The crop protection industry actively promotes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) — an approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical methods to manage pests responsibly. The goal? To use chemical control only when absolutely necessary. These are the kinds of realities often overlooked by external audiences — yet they’re essential to sustainable farming and food security.

On October 17, CropLife Africa Middle East (AME) and aak-GROW/CropLife Kenya (CLK) hosted members of the IFAJ – Fédération internationale des journalistes agricoles Journalists (IFAJ) for a field tour in Naivasha, Kenya. 🇰🇪

It was an opportunity for participants to hear directly from local farmers and agricultural leaders — including a farmer and the CEO of the PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS BOARD (PCPB) — about how collaboration under the Sustainable Pesticide Management Framework (SPMF) is shaping safer, smarter farming practices.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
CropLife Kenya conducts extensive farmer training on IPM and the responsible use of crop protection products. In support of IPM, CLK is also working to accelerate regulatory approvals for biopesticides, ensuring these innovative tools reach the market — and ultimately, the farmers who need them most.

Spray Service Providers (SSPs)
Through the SPMF, CropLife Kenya has partnered with the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), PCPB, and other stakeholders to train over 1,000 SSPs nationwide. These trained professionals ensure the safe and effective application of crop protection products, correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and proper disposal of empty pesticide containers — making a tangible impact in rural communities.

ISO-Certified PPE for Tropical Climates
Safety meets practicality. The introduction of ISO 27065-certified PPE is improving farmer safety and comfort in tropical conditions. The goal is to increase adoption of PPE among smallholder farmers across Kenya. CropLife Kenya, in collaboration with members, continues to raise awareness and promote PPE use to ensure every farmer returns home safely at the end of the day.

Circular Economy & Waste Management
The industry is committed to reducing environmental and health risks by safely managing pesticide waste. In collaboration with county governments, CropLife Kenya has established over 94 pesticide collection centres nationwide — promoting responsible disposal and supporting a more circular agricultural economy.

Last month, our colleague Fasil had the privilege of representing CropLife Africa Middle East at the farm workers training held from September 23–24, organized by the Western Cape Government Department of Agriculture, alongside various stakeholders, including CropLife South Africa through Food For Mzansi.

Over two inspiring days, more than 1,000 farm personnel from Caledon, Bredasdorp, and Ceres attended these sessions. What stood out was how the training extended beyond farming—covering financial literacy, health awareness, and on-site health check-ups.

Importantly, CropLife South Africa presented on the responsible use of pesticides and facilitated Personal Protective Equipments giveaways.

The final day coincided with Heritage Day (September 24), making it two days of learning, gratitude, and celebration. Fasil was glad to be part of this initiative on behalf of CropLife Africa Middle East and very proud of the work being done by CropLife SA to support farm communities and the people who keep agriculture thriving.

Last month, our colleague Fasil had the privilege of representing CropLife Africa Middle East at the farm workers training held from September 23–24, organized by the Western Cape Government Department of Agriculture, alongside various stakeholders, including CropLife South Africa through Food For Mzansi.

Over two inspiring days, more than 1,000 farm personnel from Caledon, Bredasdorp, and Ceres attended these sessions. What stood out was how the training extended beyond farming—covering financial literacy, health awareness, and on-site health check-ups.

Importantly, CropLife South Africa presented on the responsible use of pesticides and facilitated Personal Protective Equipments giveaways.

The final day coincided with Heritage Day (September 24), making it two days of learning, gratitude, and celebration. Fasil was glad to be part of this initiative on behalf of CropLife Africa Middle East and very proud of the work being done by CropLife SA to support farm communities and the people who keep agriculture thriving.

On September 9th, 2025, CropLife AME took part in the workshop on “The Requirements and Procedures for Good Efficacy Trials of Pesticides Prior to Approval by the Sahelian Pesticide Committee,” organized by the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS).

This event signifies a crucial step toward harmonizing pesticide regulations across CILSS member states, emphasizing the importance of quality efficacy trials in the pesticide approval process. It marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration aimed at strengthening science-based regulatory systems, operationalizing the West African Pesticides Registration Committee (WAPRC), and building capacity for sustainable pesticide management. Agronomic research institutes also actively contributed to the discussions.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CropLife AME and CILSS, which is a particularly encouraging sign of the deep and lasting commitment of both organizations toward the region’s agricultural development.

Together, we are committed to supporting responsible pesticide use, sustainable agriculture, and regional development.