The Mission Médecins du Monde France in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently organized a conference aiming to raise awareness about the disastrous health consequences of using chemical pesticides in agricultural productions in Kinshasa. This initiative is part of the Week for Alternatives to Pesticides (SPAP), which takes place from March 20th to 30th every year worldwide.
During this conference, Dr. Patrick Lusala, coordinator of the environmental health program at Médecins du Monde France, highlighted the harmful effects of chemical pesticides on the health of farmers and consumers. He emphasized that the consumption of poor-quality vegetables treated with chemical pesticides is the cause of several health problems encountered by the population of Kinshasa.
Professor Papy Bonkena from the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences at the University of Kinshasa discussed the possibility of developing agroecology in the DRC despite considerable challenges. He emphasized the increasing consumer demand for pesticide-free products and the existence of growers already practicing agroecological methods. According to him, it is essential to raise consumer awareness about healthy and organic products, provide continuous support to farmers, and redirect research towards agroecology. He also underscored the importance of government support to promote agroecology in the DRC.
Market gardeners in the DRC face numerous difficulties, including the lack of a legal framework to prohibit the circulation of prohibited products and ignorance of the consequences of consuming vegetables treated with chemical pesticides. Conference participants expressed satisfaction with the information received. Nehemie Tengetenge, a student at the University of Kinshasa, stated that he learned a lot about ecological agriculture and the importance of producing without resorting to chemical interventions.
The choice of the last week of March for this global campaign is symbolic, as it coincides with the beginning of spring in Europe and the small rainy season in the tropical zone. It is a period when farmers tend to carry out extensive pesticide spraying to ensure the yield of their crops.
In summary, raising awareness about the disastrous health consequences of using chemical pesticides in agricultural production in Kinshasa is a call to action to promote agroecology and encourage the production of healthy and organic products in the DRC. Awareness of these issues is essential to ensure the health of populations and the sustainability of agriculture in the region.
By Franck Zongwe Lukama