The current study was conducted to assess the levels of organophosphates and carbamates in vegetables in Kenya and to examine potential consumer health risks. A total of 90 samples were analysed by...

Organophosphate and carbamate pesticide residues and accompanying risks in commonly consumed vegetables in Kenya.

Current cultivation of vegetables to meet food security standards requires the use of pesticides which reduce losses from pests and diseases. A cross-sectional survey for pesticides use in tomato farms was conducted in Mwea, Kenya to assess the practices and constraints faced by the farmers. Gender, level of education, the use of pesticides in farms, experience in tomato farming, list of common pesticides, periodicity of pesticides spray in farms, approximate last day for pesticides spray, reason for pre-harvest period and pesticides spray in post-harvest time were investigated. Results revealed that, 90% farmers were men and 10% were females; 38.5% and other 38.5% attended primary and ordinary schools; 15 and 4% had advance and university levels. About 69% of respondents knew pesticides through other farmers; 31% through agrovets, extension officers and agricultural experts. Around 56% farmers knew the names of pesticides through other farmers, 44% got them from agrovets, agricultural officers and chemical companies. About 98% respondents use pesticides approved by government, 96.2% listed each between 2 and 11 names of pesticides mostly used in tomato farming. Almost 93% spray pesticides once a week in farms and 76.9% observe at least 7 days for the pre-harvest period. Relatedly, 84.8% assert that waiting for the pre-harvest time is the culture of farmers in the region. Surprisingly, 6% spray pesticides in the post-harvest period, while 84.6% assert that the pre-harvest moment is to avoid pesticides in post-reap. Although key questions found good answers from farmers, the quality of their knowledge is limited, shows missing information and needs reinforcement. Agrovets appear as the legal authority and act as key informants for most farmers. Most farmers rely on other farmers or agrovets-displacing the low or nonexistent contribution of agricultural extension officers. Capacity building and periodic updates for agrovets and farmers are required.

	Key words: Pre-harvest, pesticides, organizational, awareness, appropriation, harmonization.

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Assessment of the knowledge and use of pesticides by the tomato farmers in Mwea Region, Kenya

Pesticides Residues and Microbial Contamination of Tomatoes Produced and Consumed in Kenya

Pesticide use in agriculture is beneficial in controlling losses from pest and diseases. However, unsafe pesticide use can harm environment and human health. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide use among Ewaso Narok wetland farmers and to determine their residue levels in environment, kales and tomatoes. A total of 86 farmers purposively selected participated in this study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered on the farmers with the help of trained enumerators in which data on pesticide use was collected. For laboratory analysis, a total of 276 samples of soil, water, tomatoes and kales were collected and analyzed during wet/ rainy and dry/ sunny seasons. Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) protocol was followed for sample preparation. Extracts were analyzed using LC/MS/MS and data analyzed using SPSS version 22. The study revealed that farmers use pesticides in violation of safe recommendation; 99% of farmers used unsafe storage facilities, 60.5% did not use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), 38.4% mixed pesticides during application and 100% use unsafe disposal methods for the empty pesticide containers. Majority (97%) of the farmers had no training on pesticide use. On laboratory analysis, the results revealed the presence of residual organophosphorus, carbamates, pyrethroids, triazoles, morpholine, phenylamine, carbazate, anilinopyrimidine and beta-methoxyacylate in soil, water, kales and tomatoes. Residues namely aldicarb, triadimefon, azoxystrobin, chlorpyrifos, buprofezin, cyproconazole I and II, fenpropathrin, paclobutrazole, pyrimethanil, metalaxyl, diazinon, bifenazate, azinphos methyl and spiroxamine were detected and quantified. The levels of triadimefon (132-150)μg/L, cyproconazole I(59-66.50)μg/L and II(71-81)μg/L, fenpropathrin (27-30)μg/L, bifenazate (16-18)μg/L, pyrimethanil (62-89)μg/L, and spiroxamine (55-150)μg/L in kales and cyproconazole I (54-82) μg/L and II (80-92) μg/L, fenpropathrin (16-19) μg/L and spiroxamine (51-105) μg/L in tomatoes were above the European Food Safety authority Limits (EFSA-MRLs) which ranged between 10-100μg/L. All residue levels in tomatoes and kales were within the Maximum Residue Limits as set by the World Health Organization and Agricultural Food Organization. Pesticide residues levels in soil ranged between 2.17-1000.21μg/L which was significantly higher than the levels in kales and tomatoes. In water, six pesticide residues were detected and quantified in the range of 0.09-5.85μg/L which were above the European Union-Maximum Contamination Limits (EU-MCL) for the drinking water of 0.10 μg/L for individual residues and 0.50 μg/L for the sum concentrations of all the residues in water. Farmers need training to comply with the safety requirements which include but not limited to the use of appropriate and complete PPEs, reading of pesticide labels before use, adhere to safety intervals (re-entry and pre-harvest intervals), safe storage and disposal of empty pesticide containers. Farmers need to embrace Good Agricultural Practice and Integrated Pests Management to reduce overreliance on synthetic pesticide use. Further study on pesticides residues levels in cabbages, french beans, chilies and potatoes should be done. The findings of this study can be used by policy makers (Government, Non-Governmental Organizations), researchers/ scholars and farmers in making informed decisions on safe pesticide use that ensures safety of environment and human health.

Pesticide Application, Their Residue Levels in the Environment, Kales and Tomatoes in Ewaso Narok Wetland, Laikipia County, Kenya

Kenya is one of the leading exporters of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) to Europe, but the export volume has remained below potential mainly due to failure to meet the market quality standards. The quality concerns include the presence of regulated and quarantine pests, pesticide residues, harmful organisms, and noncompliance with the technical standards. These challenges call for the development of alternative approaches in overcoming the phytosanitary and quality challenges in the export of snap beans and other fresh vegetables. These may include integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that incorporate non synthetic chemical options, such as diversified cropping systems, plant and microbial-based pesticides, varieties with multiple disease and pest resistance, insecticidal soaps, pheromones and kairomones, entomopathogens and predators. These approaches, coupled with capacity-building and adherence to the set quality standards, will improve compliance with export market requirements. The aim of this paper is to increase knowledge on implementing good practices across the value chain of fresh vegetables that would lead to improved quality and thereby meeting institutional requirements for the export market. The novelty of the current review is using snap beans as a model vegetable to discuss the challenges that must be mitigated for the quest of achieving high quality and increased volume of fresh export products. Whilst many of the publications have focused on alternatives to synthetic pesticides in addressing MRLs in fresh vegetable exports, there is a disconnect between research and industry in achieving chemical residue and pest free export vegetables. This review describes the phytosanitary and technical challenges faced by smallholder farmers in accessing export markets, evaluates the phytosanitary and quality requirements by the niche markets, and explores the strategies that could be used to enhance compliance to the institutional and market requirements for fresh vegetables.

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/3/1546/pdf

Phytosanitary and Technical Quality Challenges in Export Fresh Vegetables and Strategies to Compliance with Market Requirements: Case of Smallholder Snap Beans in Kenya

Background : Pesticides are being used today to control a variety of insects, weeds and plant diseases. Some of these pesticides can act as toxins to plants, animals and humans when found in significant concentrations. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine pesticide residues in locally consumed vegetables. This was done by analyzing vegetable samples from supermarkets and local markets in Nairobi and its environs. Materials and methods: A total of 112 samples (kales 94, French beans 18) were collected from the study area and analyzed using gas chromatography for pesticide residues. Samples collection was done during the hot/dry season and cold/wet season. Results : The pesticide residues were found especially during the hot/dry season and were mainly organophosphates. However, on washing and cooking the residue levels reduced were by 17% and 40% -respectively. Adherence to recommended pre harvest intervals resulted in 99% reduction of the pesticide residues. Conclusion: This study clearly shows that adherence to good agricultural practice would significantly lower the levels of pesticide residues in vegetables. Keywords: Pesticides residues, vegetables

https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/123456789/14090/Determination%20of%20Pesticide%20Residues%20in%20Locally.pdf;sequence=1

Eliud Njage

Papers

Determination of Pesticide Residues in Locally Consumed Vegetables in Kenya