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Tanzania, Sweden sign agreement to tackle pesticide risks
What you need to know:
- Since 2018, Tanzanian experts have received training in Sweden on pesticide management, while Swedish specialists have supported research efforts locally
Arusha. The government of Tanzania, through the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KEMI) to address the adverse effects of pesticides on human health, animals, and the environment.
Speaking during the signing ceremony here, TPHPA director general, Prof Joseph Ndunguru, said the agreement focuses on promoting research into biological alternatives to reduce pesticide resistance and chemical use in agriculture.
“This partnership targets three key areas,” said Prof Ndunguru.
“First, strengthening pesticide regulation to protect consumers and the environment; second, developing guidelines for effective pesticide control; and third, adopting international systems for chemical identification and labelling.”
The MoU builds on a long-standing collaboration between the two countries.
Since 2018, Tanzanian experts have received training in Sweden on pesticide management, while Swedish specialists have supported research efforts locally.
Prof Ndunguru said the renewed cooperation would further improve agricultural safety in Tanzania, promote responsible pesticide use, and safeguard biodiversity.
KEMI Project Coordinator, Raphael Mwezi, reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s efforts to regulate hazardous chemicals.
“Our previous project concluded in 2024, but due to ongoing risks from pesticide resistance, we have launched a new agreement focused on capacity-building, regulatory oversight, and international treaty implementation,” he said.
The new partnership includes technical training, guidance on compliance, and strengthening Tanzania’s pesticide management system—from registration to safe labelling.
TPHPA’s Manager for Pesticide Application Technology, Dr Magreth Francis, welcomed the collaboration, saying it would help reduce soil contamination and support biodiversity.
“It will also enable Tanzanian produce to meet European standards, opening up export markets and boosting economic growth,” she said.
She urged further financial and technical support from partners to train farmers, screen users for pesticide-related health issues, and provide early medical intervention.
Local farmer Ernest Shayo raised concerns about pesticide resistance, noting losses of up to 60 percent due to ineffective products and limited extension support.
Helena Paul, another farmer, called on the government to prioritise research into more effective, alternative pesticides.
