Taking an inventory of and safeguarding identified obsolete products.
Kenya was the first country in Africa to start CleanFARMS activities. The objectives of the CleanFARMS project are to take inventory of all obsolete pesticides and empty containers in the private sector and eventually to safeguard them.
In close collaboration with CropLife Kenya and the Ministry of Agriculture a strategy was agreed. The first step was an indemnity published by the Ministry to declare a period in which everyone could register obsolete pesticides without being fined.
The project managers designed an awareness creation campaign on the triple rinsing aspect and general safety procedures when handling pesticides. In addition, radio spots were used to announce the inventory.
After training extension officers, an inventory of private and public sector was made. A total of 160 tonnes and more than 25,000 empty containers was identified.
The safeguarding of the identified obsolete pesticides is currently ongoing. Storage facilities of the Ministry of Agriculture in several strategic positions all over the country have been upgraded or constructed. A mix of staff from the industry, the ministry and a waste collecting company has been trained in safeguarding by international experts. Special equipment, such as UN-approved drums, has been shipped from Europe. A tender for the disposal of the safeguarding stock has been issued.
Because of the lessons to be learned, several representatives from interested countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Tanzania have visited Kenya to see firsthand how a CleanFARMS project works.
During these visits from representatives, explanations were provided about the organization of the outreach campaign, the collaboration with and role of the Ministry of Agriculture, the use of the inventory forms, the entry of data into a database, safeguarding and other activities. In addition, a visit to the field to talk with stakeholders was made.