Use and distribution of organochlorine pesticides. The future in
Africa*
Shem O. Wandiga
Kenya National Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 39450,
Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract: Pesticides have been used in the continent for about
eight decades. Major use has been in agriculture, livestock development,
and disease vectors control. Recent international conventions have been
made with little scientific data and information on the tropical situation.
Rapid development of resistance to pesticides demands better scientific
understanding of pest management. Tropical research data on organochlorine
pesticides show rapid degradation pattern, low residue levels, and widespread
distribution. Given the above, there is a need to factor into consideration
tropical climatological calamities in any future pesticide policy. Continued
use of pesticides is anticipated in the tropics.
*Lecture presented at the 8th International
Chemistry Conference in Africa (8th ICCA), 30 July-4 August 2001, Dakar,
Sénégal. Other presentations are published
in this issue, pp. 1147-1223.
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