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Number 133
January 2017
CropLife Africa Middle East
Newsletter
Representing the Plant Science Industry
Stewardship
IPM Training for SSPs in Côte d’Ivoire
Ninety active SSPs in the cocoa sector of Côte d’Ivoire, in
the areas of Bayota, Bouaflé, Ebilassokro and Niablé
underwent an IPM training on 12 – 17 December.
This initiative was part of the roll-out of IPM into the SSP
program. The workshops comprised of classroom sessions
during the day-1 followed by a field session on the second
day.
The objective was to demonstrate the importance and
benefits of IPM in pest identification and on monitoring. To
this end topics covered focused on cocoa pests and
diseases, basics of IPM, monitoring principles, toxicity of
pesticides, labels and pictograms, responsible use, residues
and MRLs, application, fake pesticides and associated risks.
The field session focused on spraying equipment and
maintenance, PPE, calibration, measuring and mixing
pesticides, management of empty containers and record
keeping.
Above & Below: Participants during practical group work exercises in identifying pests and diseases in cocoa fields.
Bama Yao
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 2
Graduation of 120 SSPs with Propcom in Nigeria
A total of 120 Spray Service Providers (SSPs)
graduated just before Christmas in Jigawa and
Kaduna state in Nigeria. The group had undergone
their first SSP training in November and December
2016 and passed both tests which qualifies them as
SSPs. The SSPs are part of the project that CropLife
Nigeria is implementing with the support of the
Propcom Mai-Karfi project.
The program in Kaduna state took place on 19 and
20 December 2016, and in Jigawa state on 20
December 2016. In addition to the 120 SSPs that
graduated, also present were the Emir of Markafi,
the Emir of Ikara, a representative of the Emir of
Hadeija, representatives of the Ministry of
Agriculture, the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria
(RIFAN), the All Farmers Association of Nigeria
(AFAN), several other farmers’ organizations,
Propcom, field staff of member companies: Candel,
Harvestfield, Watcot, and CropLife Nigeria.
During the graduation ceremony, all SSPs received
their badge that approves them as an SSP trained by
CropLife Nigeria. In addition, all received a full set of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by
the project. 109 SSPs also received knapsack
sprayers purchased at a special price offered by
Harvestfield. In the speeches that were made by the
Emirs, Propcom and CropLife Nigeria, the SSPs
were officially introduced to the farming community,
and it was stressed that making use of SSPs, will
help farmers to better control pests and diseases.
CropLife Nigeria signed a contract with the Propcom
Mai-Karfi project to set up a network of Spray
Service Providers (SSP) in Jigawa, Kaduna, and
Kano state. During the project, a total of 165 SSPs
will be trained who will serve at least 4,200 farmers,
growing maize, soybean, rice and tomato. The SSPs
for Kano state will be trained in January 2017.
Propcom Mai-Karfi is a program funded by the
United Kingdom’s Department for International
Development (DFID) that aims to increase income
for the poor through enhanced employment
opportunities in Northern Nigeria. The project is
implemented by Palladium International
Development Nigeria. Owing to its focus on (youth)
employment and increased income, the project
showed an interest in the SSP concept which
creates job opportunities for youth and will increase
the income of farmers through higher yields with the
better application of pesticides.
Manon Mireille Dohmen
Several of the SSPs with the director of the Atafi farmers’ group (in purple), the
AFAN state chairman (in white) and RIFAN state Chairman (in brown)
Representative of the farmers’ organization (left) handing out PPE to one of the graduated SSPs (right)
SSPs in Kaduna state
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 3
Training of SSPs in Mali
36 Candidate SSPs from Ségou, Markala and Niono underwent
training on 13 – 16 December. The training workshop was organized
following the ToT under the IFDC-2SCALE project to support
vegetables production in the region of Ségou.
The following topics were covered during the program.
Pests and diseases of vegetable crops in Mali.
Types of pesticides used in Mali.
Labels, toxicological bands and toxicological classes.
Counterfeit and illegal pesticides and associated risks,
Selecting the right pesticide.
The importance and types of PPE.
Management and disposal of empty containers.
Transport and storage of pesticides.
The workings of a knapsack sprayer.
Nozzle types and calibration of a knapsack sprayer
Measuring and mixing of pesticides.
Basics of IPM.
Record keeping
The practical session focused on parts and maintenance of sprayers,
wearing and removing PPE, measuring and mixing, calibration of
sprayers, triple-rinsing and puncturing of empty containers, how to
keep records of the activities.
Following the strict evaluation tests, only 29 candidates were regarded
competent. Several participants failed due to low literacy. A second
session will be organized to meet the required number of 36 SSPs for
the project.
Various parts of a sprayer being demonstrated (Above) and wearing of PPE (Below)
Group Photo at the conclusion of the
training
Bama Yao
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 4
Cassava SSPs are ready to sell services in Nigeria
“I cannot wait to sell my services. Farmers will soon start with their land preparations so I can apply herbicides for them”, says
Rafiu Saheed Adejare. He is one of the SSPs that graduated on 12 January 2017 in Oyo state, Nigeria. During the ceremony, a
total of 24 SSPs were officially introduced to the farming community, which consists mainly of cassava farmers.
SSP Adejare proudly shows off his badge. He admits that the training program was not easy: “We learned so much. One of the
most interesting things that I learned is that I now know how to use pesticides without hurting myself or the environment. I
learned that we should take the empty containers away from the farm and that I should not transport any other items, especially
food, when I transport pesticides.”
All SSPs belong to a farmers’ group that produces cassava that is purchased by Psaltry International Ltd., processing company.
Psaltry sells the cassava starch to Nigerian Breweries Plc. who uses this in the brewing process of Goldberg and Star Lite beer.
The linkages between Psaltry and the farmers is made by the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) as part of their
Towards Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2Scale) project. CropLife signed a contract
with 2Scale last year to train 24 SSPs as a pilot to ensure that pesticide applications to the cassava is undertaken in a
responsible way and that residue levels are well below the Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs).
Cassava Coordinator, Francis Alelumhe, acknowledges that SSPs had a lot to learn. “We saw that farmers who apply pesticides
to their own cassava crops, apply the wrong product at the wrong time; they use post-emergent herbicides when they should
apply pre-emergent and vice versa. They do not follow the recommendations on the label and then complain that the herbicide
does not work.” Alelumhe expects that farmers will be interested in hiring the services of the SSPs. “Farmers are already using
hired labor to apply pesticides for them. However, they use people who are not trained. They see a guy with a knapsack sprayer
and think that this guarantees that he is knowledgeable and capable. Unfortunately, sometimes these guys do more harm than
good.”
SSPs Rafiu Saheed Adejare (left) and Sanni Adekunle (right) are ready to start selling their services
Lanre Oladele of Harvestfield selling his products to interested farmers
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 5
Lanre Oladele of Harvestfield, also attended the ceremony with one of his colleagues. Harvestfield is one of the most involved
member companies in many of the SSP projects that CropLife Nigeria has been implementing since 2013. Although he cannot
mention sales figures, he confirms that sales have significantly increased with the introduction of the SSPs. “Our fungicides for
cocoa are selling better than ever.
As Harvestfield, we participate in every SSP project implemented by CropLife Nigeria. Owing to these projects, we meet
farmers’ groups we would normally never reach. In addition, we have trained an additional 15,000 cocoa SSPs. All of them
service at least 10 farmers per season and they all use our products. For us, the SSP concept is the best project CropLife ever
did.”
During the graduation ceremony, each SSP received a full set of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), a ledger for record
keeping and a badge that approves them as a trained SSP. The ceremony was attended by representatives of IFDC, Psaltry,
the cassava farmers’ organization, CropLife Nigeria member companies, the National Coordinator of CropLife Nigeria, the
Training Coordinator of CropLife Africa Middle East, and more than 100 farmers from nearby communities.
The chairman of the farmers’ organization stressed in his speech that the SSP concept offers a wonderful opportunity for youth
to set up their own business and make some extra money. SSP Sanni Akin Adekunle already knows what he is going to do with
the extra money: “I want to expand my farm and I want to support my family. I will work hard to reach my goals and after this
training program, I know I can do it.”
Manon Mirelle Dohmen
Group Photo
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 6
Meeting of the PR-PICA Steering Committee
Members of the Steering committee met in Lomé, Togo, on 15-16 December. This was the 24th meeting (the second for the
year) of the Regional Program for the Integrated Protection of Cotton in Africa (Programme Regional de Protection Intégrée du
Cotonnier en Afrique, PR-PICA). The meeting was organized to discuss the activities carried out during 2016 and to adopt the
action plan for 2017.
Following the official opening by the Director General of the cotton company of Togo, La Nouvelle Société Cotonnière du Togo
(NSCT), the following topics were placed on the agenda:
The adoption of the 2016 technical and financial reports. The participation of PR-PICA at the WCA annual workshop of
CropLife AME and the presentation and discussions covered.
The adoption of the 2017 action plan (activities and related budget). PR-PICA and CropLife AME should consider the
setting-up of a SSP and a container management program in the cotton sector in member states of PR-PICA.
Information exchange on the crop year 2016-17 which shows an increase in acreage and plantings in all countries
except Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal where the rain onset was delayed. A low-level infestation was noted therefore an
increase in yield is expected which may be around 1 ton/ha.
The organization of the 10th annual meeting of the PR-PICA which will be in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire on April 26-28, 2017
The draft MoU between PR-PICA and the Association of Producers of Cotton in Africa (AProCA) was discussed and
approved, and should go for signature.
Group photo of participants (Above) and a view of participants during the work session (Below Left). Courtesy PR-PICA.
Bama Yao
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 7
Regulatory
Capacity Building Workshop for the Pesticides Committee of Côte d’Ivoire
Participants included 25 members of the Pesticides Committee (inter - ministerial comprising 12 ministries) responsible for
pesticide registration, together with the registration officers of member companies of CropLife Côte d’Ivoire, who met in Abidjan
on 19 December.
The sensitization and training of the Pesticide Committee is part of the ongoing IP and Anti-Counterfeiting promotion program
in the country under the cooperation between CropLife Côte d’Ivoire and the Directorate of Crop Protection, Control and
Quality of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (DPVCQ).
Following the welcome message by the Regional Director of CropLife AME and the opening address by the Director of DPVCQ
the participants were briefed on:
Pesticides and the importance of a well functioning regulatory system (R. Yeboue, Executive Director, CropLife CI)
emphasizing on the role of agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire, the performance of the agricultural sector and the important
contribution of pesticides towards yields and quality of the production. The need for protection of intellectual property
rights (IP) including patents and and regulatory data (PRD).
Registration in Côte d’Ivoire, as in other countries, is essential for the management of pesticides. This process ensures
the safety for man and the environment and the efficacy of registered products. It also allows the authorities to control
pesticide uses.
He also referred to the importance of the “Risk” approach versus “Hazard”, MRLs, the PHI and sound assessment for
regulatory decision-making.
Pesticide regulations in Côte d’Ivoire (Bah Boni, Registration and Certification Officer, DPVCQ) referred to the laws and
decrees on pesticides. The first decree (89-02 of 04th January 1989) relates to the authorization by the Pesticide
Committee and covers the registration of pesticides, the activities and subsequent control measures. The definition of a
pesticide was therefore defined by the Pesticide Committee comprising of 12 Ministries including the steps needed for
an application, decisions and notifications, the certification of distributors and applicators. Provisions relate to the
control, inspection and related sanctions.
A recent decree (509/MINAGRI/MEMIS of 11th November 2014) relates to border control activities to be carried out by
the Joint Committee involving agents and pesticide inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
(MINADER) and the agents of the Ministry of Interior and Security (Prefets, Secretaries General and Sub-Prefets and
the police). The list of control points throughout the country was provided. Reference was also made on another decree
to be signed which creates a Regional Pesticide Committee to be chaired by the Prefet or Sub-Prefet and comprising
the key stakeholders involved in the pesticide business and management at the regional level. The mission of such a
committee is to sensitize, educate and inform stakeholders on various issues and particularly the illegal trade of
pesticides and related consequences.
The West Africa Pesticide Registration Committee (WAPRC), the regional framework under ECOWAS was also
referred to with the setting-up of the National Pesticide Committee (Comité Ivoirien de Gestion des Pesticides, CIGP).
The role and responsibility of CIGP and the relationship with WAPRC.
Illegal pesticides and the subsequent threats to the agricultural sector (R. Yeboue, Executive Director, CropLife CI)
provided a definition of illegal pesticides comprising of counterfeit products, non-registered, banned and expired
products, which have proliferated the markets during past years. He then indicated that counterfeit products, through
any means are undertaken by criminals, mostly local, although some illegal pesticides enter the country from
neighbouring countries particularly Ghana. Illegal pesticides do not undergo any form of testing and present a range of
health, environmental and economic concerns.
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 8
These include:
Human health as they may contain toxic
impurities therefore posing a risk to the
operator. Also residues may be found at
time of harvest.
The environment, impacting on both, the
current and follow-up crops, surface and
underground water and non-target
organisms
Economic losses and social impact
relating to taxes which cannot be
collected, loss of sales by the legally
established companies leading to
divestments and subsequent job losses.
Loss of credibility to the pesticide industry
by farmers who no longer trust legitimate
products leading to the undermining
investment in stewardship and innovation.
IP and Access to Innovations (G. Liabra, President
CropLife CI) focused on IP in plant protection with
patents, copy rights, trade marks, and protection of
regulatory data (PRD) comprising security and
efficacy data and CBI under TRIPs. The benefits
of PRD were then explained, the process by which
new active substances are developed, and the
consequences if no PRD is in place. Some recom-
mendations were then provided based on CropLife
guidance with a 10 year protection for the safety
and efficacy data and a lifetime protection for CBI
together with some measures to be put in place
such as a process at country and regional levels.
Following the discussions the following recommendations
were made:
The formalization of an annual meeting of
a CropLife-Pesticides Committee to
discuss relevant issues
Pursuing the ongoing program to train
border control agents.
Training and involvement of transport
(trucking) companies in the fight against
illegal pesticides.
Link to the national obsolete project
(PROGEP-CI) to jointly organize a
meeting with parliament.
Develop stricter measures against
offenders.
Bama Yao
Director of DPVCQ
Partial views of participants being addressed by the President, G. Liabra (Below) and the Executive Director R. Yeboue (Aboe).
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 9
In order to improve on the gains made during the drafting of the new
pesticide regulations, a forum to update technical staff of member
companies on product registration requirements was convened on 2
December, 2016 in Nairobi. The key speakers were drawn from the Pest
Control Products Board (PCPB). The aim was to give an overview of the
registration process as mandated and to inform participants on pending
changes.
The PCPB team led by Dr. Ngaruiya, head of registrations gave an overview
of what it entails to register a pesticide in Kenya. The categories of products
which are subject to registration were given as: those used in agriculture for
weed control, crop pests and diseases, those used in animal health for tick
control and those used in public health for cockroach, mosquito and rodent
control. All could either be conventional or bio pesticides.
Registration begins with the approval of a local agent before the importation
of any materials. This is followed by a submission of an application for
registration accompanied by a product technical dossier. Imports for
research / screening purposes must pass through the same process. If the
product is to be formulated in Kenya, the dossier on the technical grade
material plus additives must first be submitted for approval before
formulation starts.
The dossier is subjected for a completeness check; it’s then presented to the
technical and registration committee of the PCPB. The committee in turn
makes recommendations to the PCPB Board which on approval gives an
experimental permit which subsequently leads to trials undertaken
Efficacy and residue trials are required to be carried out at an accredited
institution. The institution chosen will depend on the product being registered
since some organizations have the sole mandate to perform efficacy trials
for specific crops. The accreditation of organizations as trial sites is based
on the organizations’ resource capacity, available equipment, office space
and staff management. Trials are undertaken over 2-3 growing seasons for
new products as well as for label extensions of existing products. All CPP’s
will be subjected to chemical analysis to ensure compliance with standards.
Ms. Stella Simiyu Wafukho of CropLife Africa Middle East (CLAME) gave a
presentation on emerging policy issues affecting the Agrochem industry. Of
main concern was the seeming shift from risk based to hazard based
regulatory decisions affecting availability of crop protection solutions.
Stella Wafuko from CLAME
Dr. Wagate from PCPB
Dr. Ngaruiya, Head of Registrations at PCPB
Evelyn Lusenaka, CropLife
Kenya CEO
The issues are endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), International Agency of Research on
Cancer (IARC) Monographs program, Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), pollinator health.
She urged regulators to continue to base their decisions on risk assessment and not give in
to what some groups are propagating. She encouraged all stakeholders to especially be keen
on ongoing discussions on EDCs at the EU level which depending on how the final criteria to
define EDCs will look like may affect the availability of crop protection products and the
implementation of FAO/WHO HHPs guidelines, which requires strong involvement of all
stakeholders.
In conclusion, the meeting recommended that similar workshops for technical staff will be
held more frequently to provide updates on current issues affecting the regulatory
environment. Members were urged to regularly visit the AAK website/ social media pages for
updates. It was also agreed that crop groupings for the purpose of efficacy trials will be given
priority in 2017. Benson Ngigi
CropLife Kenya holds forum to sensitize Members on Regulatory Issues
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 10
Reduction of Counterfeit Pesticides - High on the Agenda of Many CropLife National
Associations
A Summary of Activities in Key Countries
Several CropLife national associations implemented anti-counterfeiting activities in 2016. The main objectives were to make
stakeholders and responsible government authorities aware of the problem and related risks with illegal and counterfeit
pesticides, including, economic risks to national economy due to bans on crops treated with counterfeit pesticides; to work with
government authorities to prosecute those selling and distributing illegal and counterfeit pesticides; to get a better understanding
and detect the source of counterfeit pesticides including incoming ports, and local distributors selling illegal products, and to
raise awareness and knowledge at the farmer/user level to refrain from purchasing illegal and fake pesticides.
Counterfeit and illegal pesticides continue to be the fastest growing “competitor” for suppliers of legal pesticides in Africa Middle
East. Their combined share is estimated to be bigger than any of the leading multinationals, based on feedback from member
companies of CropLife national associations. Most national associations estimate between 15% and 20% counterfeits in the
pesticide market, with some extreme situations suggesting 40% to 80%. Hot spots are certain regions in Egypt, Ghana, Uganda,
Tanzania and Malawi.
One of the reasons that farmers buy counterfeit products is because they have difficulty in accessing good quality legal
products. Often legal products are only sold in larger towns while the rural areas are serviced by mobile dealers who in addition
to pesticides, sell different products, ranging from batteries to toothpaste. Therefore, CropLife Africa Middle East actively
promotes the Spray Service Providers (SSP) concept in which farmers who have received special application training, sell their
application services to fellow farmers. One of the key elements of the SSP concept is that each SSP is directly linked to member
companies of the CropLife national association to guarantee access to legal pesticides.
Because the SSP lives in the same community as the farmers, it is not very likely that the SSP will be dishonest because of the
negative consequences including losing business as an SSP and in a worst-case scenario, be expelled from the community. In
addition, SSPs are trained in the application and responsible use in the handling of pesticides, and have in general, a much
better knowledge on pesticides than dealers that roam the communities with their products. SSPs are also trained on the risks of
using counterfeit products and on how to recognize such products.
Through the SSPs, awareness is created among farmers on counterfeit pesticides, and because SSPs are triple rinsing and
puncturing the empty containers, these cannot be used any longer to be refilled with fake products. To date, more than 100,000
farmers have been reached through the SSP program. At the moment, there are active SSP programs in Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt,
Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia.
In addition to setting up networks of SSPs, other interventions took place in Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda
with the financial support of CropLife and partner organizations.
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 11
Côte d’Ivoire
CropLife Côte d’Ivoire has always played a very active role in anti-counterfeiting activities. Since the development of the special
anti-counterfeiting course of CropLife Africa Middle East to train custom officers, Côte d’Ivoire trained more than 100 officers
each year. In 2016, a total of 211 participants from several law enforcement agencies were trained in the consequences of
counterfeit pesticides and how to identify these.
The responses during the program were very positive. Participants were actively involved and asked many questions. They saw
the need for cooperation and coordinated joint activities to combat these criminal activities which jeopardize and put the
economy at risk, since they now have the knowledge and legal tools to check for unregistered and fake products.
A workshop was organized in February 2016 in Yamoussoukro in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development. The aim of the program was to ensure that the country’s pesticide regulations were disseminated to the key
stakeholders in the 31 administrative regions following the numerous training sessions undertaken in recent years.
Impact
Although no official impact assessment was done, CropLife Côte d’Ivoire received some positive feedback on the impact of
activities. Member companies of CropLife Côte d’Ivoire indicated they have improved their sales over the past 2 years as an
indirect result of the reduction of counterfeit products on the market. Customs officers and agents see and deal less with
transboundary pesticides during their normal control procedures. Enforcement agencies (customs, pesticide inspectors,
Regional officers of Ministry Agriculture, police) and retailers confirm less illegal pesticides on the market.
A ministerial decree is to be signed shortly to create a Regional Pesticides Committee involving key local stakeholders. The
committee will be under the chairmanship of the Prefect and the Secretary to be assigned to the Regional Director of MINADER.
The objective is to manage the anti-counterfeiting issue locally through education, information and overall sensitization of the
problem.
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 12
Egypt
CropLife Egypt is a member of the Agricultural Pesticide Committee (APC) which is actively creating awareness among farmers,
agro dealers and other stakeholders on the consequences of counterfeit pesticides.
The Ministry of Agriculture announced in January 2016 that it would intensify its raids to confiscate counterfeit pesticides. Over a
period of 5 months during 2016, the following was undertaken: closure of 658 unlicensed retail shops; seizure of 2,500 tons of
pesticides and fertilizers; raids on 3 big factories in Nubaria and Burg Elarab repacking counterfeit products; and seizure of 50
tons smuggled pesticides at a farm in the Badr village. All cases are still in the courts and the seized products are under custody
of the owner who cannot move any of this until the court has ruled on the issue.
CropLife Egypt trained, in collaboration with the APC, 50 customs officers in Cairo, Alexandria and Port Said. Discussions
focused on how to identify fake products, the necessary documentation for the importation of pesticides, and who to be
contacted in cases of counterfeit products found. In general, participants were very positive about the program and
acknowledged that most information was new to them.
A further 3 programs were organized to sensitize 40 representatives of farmers’ organizations, 150 pesticide retailers and
surveillance officers, and all members of the APC on counterfeit pesticides.
CropLife Egypt has seen over the years that several stakeholders, including those in the public sector, take the problem of
counterfeiting in the agricultural sector very seriously. The issue of counterfeiting, features more and more on the agenda and
media coverage (television, print and press) and there is a new decree to intensify legal actions against counterfeit products.
Screen shot of the web-site of APC (www. apc.gov.eg) which also provides information in English in addition to Arabic.
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 13
Ghana
CropLife Ghana became a member of the Committee on
Sub-Standard Agrochemicals that was set up in early 2016 by the
Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture to address counterfeit
pesticides in the country. Other members are the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and
the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). A roadmap was drawn up to
address the most important issues. Action points are that regulators
will train many more pesticide inspectors, and raids will be undertaken
by enforcement agencies in identified hot-spots. In addition, a
workshop will be organized with all importers.
In addition, CropLife Ghana trained 60 customs officers on the
consequences and identification of counterfeit pesticides. Ton date,
210 officers (including those trained in 2016) from 5 of the 6 regions
with borders to neighboring countries have benefited from the
program. In another region, 150 farmers from different farmers’
organizations were trained.
The secretariat of CropLife Ghana recently held a planning session in
which it was agreed that the association should be a lot more active in
anti-counterfeiting activities. The first step is to discuss with the EPA
on how to intensify raids to confiscate counterfeit pesticides.
From left to right: Sam Adukumi (Registrar of CCMC/EPA), Minister's Special Assistant), Alhaji Yakubu Alhasan (Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Chairman of the Sub-Standard Committee), Fred Boampong (CropLife Ghana).
CropLife Uganda has always been an extremely active partner organization and was directly involved in several of the activities
to reduce counterfeit pesticides in the country, including public events for agro-dealers and farmers, agro dealer’s fairs, mass
media programs, and the setting up of a network of SSPs.
An Agri-Input Web Platform was established in June 2016 by the Ag Input Activity project in close collaboration with CropLife
Uganda, the Uganda Seed Trade Association (USTA), and the Uganda National Agro Dealers Association (UNADA). The main
objective is to collect information on seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers, including available and approved products on the market.
The web platform will encourage greater transparency in the sector, providing the public with a wide range of information about
input suppliers, registered products, new products and seed varieties in the market, and about agro-dealers in each locality.
From May to August, platform meetings, called exhibitions, were organized in the districts with agro-dealers to collect
information and to explain the use of the platform. During the meetings, it was stressed that the platform was a tool to combat
counterfeit pesticides. During that same period, members of the platform promoted the platform in radio talk shows on several
local radio stations. In addition, a further 87 agro-dealers received training on product knowledge. In May 2016, Transparency
International organized the establishment of an Anti-Counterfeiting Agro-input Advisory Council in which CropLife Uganda has a
seat. The Council consists of representatives of the public sectors, private sectors, civil society organizations and development
partners. The council will meet quarterly to share the findings from the call center and forge a way forward on how to address the
problem of counterfeits in the country. Activities with the Ag Input project will continue in 2017.
Destine Ariye and Geoffrey Okullo from CropLife Uganda (left) providing information during the exhibition in Lira
Uganda
In 2012, USAID gave a grant to Tetra Tech ARD to
implement the Feed the Future Uganda Agricultural
Inputs Activity. One of the intermediate results was
“Decreased prevalence of counterfeit agricultural
inputs on the market”.
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 14
Kenya
In 2015, CropLife Kenya conducted a market study to get better insight of the problem of counterfeit pesticides in the country.
Several recommendations were formulated, including to focus awareness creation and training on young people as they are
more likely to fall for counterfeit products; to change strategy of inspection so it is difficult to anticipate the timing of this, and to
set up a system of early warning and whistle blowing. The results were discussed during a workshop that took place in August
2016, which gave a new boost to anti-counterfeiting activities in the country.
To reach young farmers, CropLife Kenya collaborated with the “Shamba Shape Up” program broadcast via the Citizen television
channel. CropLife Kenya gave input on episodes highlighting the issues of counterfeiting, how to recognize counterfeit products,
and mitigation measures. In addition, CropLife Kenya developed a radio jingle in Kiswahili for farmers on the consequences of
using counterfeit pesticides and how to identify these. The jingle was broadcast on the Citizen radio network for two weeks in
October and November 2016. The jingle was also used by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) on their switchboard to help
create awareness.
In order to clean up the supply chain, CropLife Kenya developed a program on accreditation. The first step in accreditation was
focused on the member companies of CropLife Kenya. The technical staff of companies were trained on the Code of Conduct of
CropLife Kenya, matters of counterfeiting and the need to clean-up the supply chain within the industry. The trained technical
staff were then given “accreditation cards” which are a kind of Identity Card they use for identification purposes while transacting
business related to the distribution of pest control products.
The second step in accreditation was done by the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) – a statutory body charged with the
responsibility of controlling pesticides in Kenya together with CropLife Kenya. Agro-dealers need to attend staff training,
licensing and store layout requirements. When they comply with these requirements, they are awarded accreditation certificates
and window stickers bearing the logos of CropLife Kenya, PCPB and the Agrochemical Association of Kenya (AAK), of which
CropLife Kenya is part. The certificates and window stickers are valid for 2 year. The stickers aid the farmers in identifying
genuine, trained agro dealers.
To have a more sustainable program, CropLife Kenya is looking to harness their resources and seek further funding from
industry and partners, and run an intensive communications campaign on counterfeit pesticides on both radio and television for
about a year intermittently. In addition, CropLife Kenya would like to make it mandatory for industry members to include in all
their marketing materials such as brochures, pamphlets and posters the key message: “Avoid counterfeits and only buy genuine
products.”
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 15
Association Management
CropLife Côte d’Ivoire holds Annual General Meeting
The CropLife Côte d’Ivoire AGM took place on 9 December, in Abidjan. The statutory General Assembly meeting convened
following the 2-year term of the present executive committee. Members were updated on the activities carried out in the 2-year
period. The updates by the President of the Board of Directors Bruno Bernos and Executive President Guy Liabra focused on:
Participation at a greater number of meetings and workshops organized by third parties during at which various issues
related to pesticides including uses, policies and management, were discussed.
Effective and strong participation at the Agricultural Fair (SARA 2015) organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development.
Training of 169 retailers, extension agents and applicators in IPM/RU.
ToTs for agents from member companies of CropLife CI, of GIZ-PROFIAB and facilitation of a session for CropLife
Cameroon by the Executive Director.
IPM Training for SSPs with the support of CropLife AME.
AntiCFT training of 460 border control agents including customs, police, forestry agents and pesticide inspectors in
7 cities, with the support of CropLife AME.
Donation of a vehicle to the Directorate of Crop Protection (DPVCQ) in support to the needed raids to be conducted by
the DPVCQ.
Other activities related to the strengthened cooperation, alliances and partnerships, and communication with the ongoing
creation of a website.
The update also covered some weakness and recommendations made to tackle specific areas during the coming years. The
treasurer provided a detailed report on the accounts indicating an improved financial situation. All membership fees were
collected aided by strong external support from CropLife AME and other stakeholders.
With the approval of both reports and the discharge of the Board, the election of a new committee was organized with the
following outcome:
President of the Board: Bruno Bernos
President of the Executive Committee: Guy Joseph Liabra
Vice-President/Treasurer: Mamadou Diallo
Treasurer: Jean Chanhoun
Bama Yao
AGM - Group Photo
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 16
CropLife Ghana Plans Activities for 2017
Actively fighting counterfeit pesticides, setting up a well working container management program, rolling out the Spray Service
Providers (SSP) concept in vegetables, and building new partnerships: these are just a few of the objectives formulated for 2017
by the secretariat of CropLife Ghana. The ambitions were formulated during a planning session that took place on 18 January
2017 at the offices of CropLife Ghana in Accra.
The session was attended by CropLife Ghana staff, Fred Boampong (Project Coordinator), Eric Aboagye (Field Coordinator),
and training consultants Bob Adjakloe (who is also in charge of container and obsolete stocks management), Juliet Biney and
Gabby Dake of Agric Support & More. The session was facilitated by Manon Dohmen with the support of her assistant Rhoda
Lartey.
To get a better idea of what is going on in the pesticide sector in Ghana and to analyze the role that CropLife Ghana is playing,
or should be playing, the group started by listing all stakeholders in the pesticide sector, including policy makers, research
institutes, technical partners, crop buying companies, producers, input suppliers, certification schemes, and service providers.
For every actor, discussion focused on what their main mandate or task is, related to the many aspects of pesticides, including
responsible use, container management, and anti-counterfeiting activities. Following this, the group looked at what type of
collaboration CropLife Ghana has with the respective actor, and what type of collaboration CropLife Ghana would like to have
with them.
From the analysis, it became clear that anti-counterfeiting activities are high on the agenda of many organizations but that real
action on the ground, in terms of confiscation of counterfeit products, does not happen frequently. In addition, despite several
awareness creation campaigns, many actors still do not fully grasp the consequences of (using) counterfeit pesticides.
Therefore, there is a need for CropLife Ghana to step up its engagement in fighting counterfeit pesticides.
Another program that came out of the discussion is container management. CropLife Ghana has made several attempts to set
up a scheme but none of them have worked out as it should. Member company, Wynca Sunshine is actively collecting empty
containers and recycles these into new containers and application equipment, but they only accept back their own containers.
CropLife Ghana wants to engage the technical support of CropLife Africa Middle East to look at other possibilities.
The SSP concept has since its introduction in Ghana, in 2013 been embraced by farmers and several partner organizations. For
2017, CropLife Ghana wants to consider the possibility of introducing the concept into vegetables. New partnerships with
organizations active in the vegetable sector will be sought to make this a reality.
Manon Mireille Dohmen
Left to right: Fred Boampong, Bob Adjakloe, Rhoda Lartey, Juliet Biney, Manon Dohmen, Gabby Dake, and Eric Aboagye
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 17
Plant Biotechnology
Cross-Platform Workshop, Tamale, Ghana, 30 November
CropLife Ghana, through the Cross-Platform Initiative, has been organizing a series of awareness workshops on plant
biotechnology since 2014. This, to create a platform where experts from industry, farmers, civil society organizations and
stakeholders can discuss the pros and cons of plant biotechnology and its effect on agriculture in Ghana. This has also become
even more relevant in the wake of discussions in recent times on the media landscape and amongst Civil Society Organizations
and Research Institutions.
The 1-day workshop was to enlighten CropLife Ghana members, Seed producers, Seed Traders Association of Ghana (STAG)
and opinion leaders by exposing them to the basics of plant biotechnology and to the regulation of the technology in the
country. This was also intended to expose members to a “confined field trial” of a GM crop in the country.
Specific Objectives of the day were:
To provide CropLife Ghana members, Seed producers, STAG and opinion leaders in the Northern part of Ghana with
practical, evidence-based information on plant biotechnology and biosafety;
To help neutralize the misinformation regarding biotechnology and biosafety in the country.
To provide a platform for an open interaction among stakeholders on issues of concern with regards to biosafety.
To give first-hand experience to CropLife Ghana members, Seed producers, STAG and opinion leaders on a confined
field trial of a GM crop.
The workshop was organized by CropLife Ghana, Program for Biosafety Systems (PBS) and the CSIR Savannah Agriculture
Research Institute (SARI)
Following the formal opening by William Kotey, President of CropLife Ghana, Fred Boampong, Program Manager for CropLife
Ghana, gave a presentation on “CropLife Ghana’s stance on Agricultural Technological Innovations”
In his presentation, Dr. Ofosu (PBS) covered the risk element of GMO technology.
He stated that crops produced using GMO technologies can be said to be safer than those using conventional plant breeding
procedures as the former goes through more rigorous tests.
“Conventionally produced crops are only assessed once they are ready for release, but with GMOs, assessment begins from
the lab to growth chamber to confined fields before general release”
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is currently undertaking field trials of GMO cowpea, cotton, and rice
before these are released onto the market. These crops are either resistant to pests or tolerant to unfavorable soil conditions or
have increased nutrition values. They are not expected to reach the local market until after 2018.
Several Civil Society Groups have protested the introduction of the technology, claiming there are inherent negative health,
environment and economic implications for their application, but Director of BNARI, Prof. Kenneth Danso disagrees. He
explained that the method of GMO seed production is only an improved form of conventional breeding procedures which is
applied only when all other methods to fix a particular food production challenge fails.
Prof Danso said GMOs will help enhance productivity on the farms and ensure “food security, higher economic benefits for
farmers, a safe environment through reduced use of pesticides and production of more nutritious crops.”
Former Director-General of the CSIR, Prof. Walter Alhassan told participants the global GMO seed industry is growing rapidly
and Ghana must not be left behind in the spread of this technology driving the agric sector.
He quoted research from other parts of the world to show that GMO seeds have increased the profit margins of farmers quite
dramatically.
Coordinator of the Seed Traders Association of Ghana, Thomas Havor, said farmers are keen to get access to GMO seed
varieties, once they have gone through the necessary regulatory procedures, saying “the earlier we get into production using
GMO seeds, the better.”
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 18
The planned trip to the SARI
Confined Field could unfortunately
not come about as initially planned
due to harvesting of the crop,
however, Dr. Mumuni, officer in
charge of the Confined Field Trial,
gave a presentation covering the
process.
In his closing remarks, Bruno
Tinland, of Monsanto, informed
participants that the issue of
biotechnology would never affect
the usage of agrochemicals. This
was to allay the fears of some
importing companies that have
questioned whether GMO
technology would reduce drastically
agrochemical usage.
In conclusion, the workshop was
well attended with participants
asking both CropLife Ghana and
PBS to continue this advocacy until
most farmers and input dealers are
aware of the technology and its
positive effect on the economy of
the country.
In a related issue, there is a change
of government in the country, and
Parliament is affected.
After the recent election in Ghana
over 60% of new members of
Parliament are new. Their
knowledge on issues of plant
biotechnology and the Plant
Breeders Bill (currently before
Parliament) is not guaranteed.
There is therefore a need for a
similar collaboration with PBS to
immediately organize a seminar for
the new parliamentarians to
enlighten them on the current
issues, enabling them to debate on
the Plant Breeder’s Bill. CropLife
Ghana sees the need for such a
training as something quite urgent.
Fred Boampong
Dr. Ofosu (PBS) undertaking his
presentation
A cross-section of participants at the workshop
Right: William Kotey, President of CropLife Ghana giving his welcome
address
Left: Dr Bruno Tinland addressing the group
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Number 133
January 2017 Page 19
Cuba to Plant GM Soybean and Corn in Spring 2017
Cuba could start planting biotech soybean and corn on
more land by spring of 2017, according to Mario
Estrada, director of the Center for Agricultural Research
of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB).
Estrada said that all tests required by Cuban regulatory
bodies have been successfully completed.
"We are currently working on obtaining new transgenic
maize lines, which on a small experimental plot scale
show potential yields of nine tonnes/ha, well close to
the levels reached by the world's leading countries in
this production," Estrada said. He also explained that
Cuba also experimented with an herbicide resistant
biotech soybean, which has a yield of up to 2.8 tons/ha
in field trials. ISAAA
Nigeria Academy of Science Declares Support for Biotech
The Nigeria Academy of Science, the
country's top scientific organization
and the federal government's scientific
advisor has declared that GMOs
are safe and beneficial to improve
agricultural productivity. Furthermore,
the Academy noted that the
technology has the potential to
address food security. The Academy's
declaration also reiterated the U.S.
National Academy of Sciences' report
that GM crops are safe.
The declaration will be used to aid the
development of policies on GM crops
adoption and also answer the claims
of biotech critics about the technology.
Biotech Crops Contribute ~US$127,000M to Argentina's Economy
ISAAA
Biotech crops contributed an estimated amount of US$126,969.27
millions of gross benefit to Argentina from 1996 to 2016. This is
according to a report released by the Argentine Council for Information
and Development of Biotechnology (ArgenBio).
The majority of these benefits (66%) went to farmers, while the remaining
portion went to the government (26%) and technology providers (8%).
The report also stated that the surplus brought about by the technology
created over 2 million jobs over the two-decade period.
Environmental benefits of planting GM crops were also highlighted in the
report. The synergy between GM crops and no-till farming practices led
to conservation of soils, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and
energetic efficacy of crop management. ISAAA
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Page 20
Upcoming Events
Training of SSP trainers in the BASF / CDI project, Tanzania Jan 9-13
Meeting with CropLife Zimbabwe ExCom, covering the upcoming Hub Meeting 2017,
and the role of projects Jan 12-13
CropLife Côte d’Ivoire General Assembly Meeting, Abidjan Jan 18
Human Health Workshop, Brussels Jan 18 -19
Capacity building of the new CropLife Uganda ExCo & meetings with stakeholders,
Kampala Jan 30 - Feb 1
Risk Mitigation Workshop for West Africa region, Accra, Ghana Jan 31 - Feb 1
Meeting of the CLAME training committee, Accra, Ghana Feb 6 -10
SAICM intercessional Meeting, Brasilia, Brazil Feb 7- 8
RRC Meeting, Monheim Feb 13 -14
CP Communications Meeting, Brussels Feb 14-15
Meeting of the Anti-Counterfeiting Steering Committee, Brussels Feb 15
Meeting of the CPSC, Brussels Feb 16
Inaugural meeting for the creation of CropLife Mozambique, Maputo w/c 27 Feb
Container Management Project Team Meeting, Sao Paulo, Brazil Mar 21-23
Workshop on Risk Assessment &Trade impact for Agricultural Commodities,
Nairobi, Kenya Mar 28 -29
CLAME Board Meeting, Brussels April 3-4
IPM Project Team Meeting, Brussels April 4
Stewardship Steering Committee Meeting, Brussels April 5
Number 133
December 2017
Photo: Africa Investment Report
Representing the Plant Science Industry
CropLi fe Afr ica Middle East Newslet ter Page 21
Contributors:
Bama Octave Yao (West-Central Africa) bama@croplifeafrica.org
Les Hillowitz (East-Southern Africa) les@croplifeafrica.org
Stella Simiyu Wafukho (Regulatory) stella@croplifeafrica.org
Number 133
January 2017
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