Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) is engaging farmers and miners in the Midlands Province to raise awareness on the proper use and disposal of various chemicals.
The programme is part of the Integrated Health and Environment Observation and Legal and Institutional Strengthening for the Sound Management of Chemicals in Africa (African ChemObs) which is running in nine countries across the continent.
It comes at a time when the world is reeling from extreme weather conditions as a result of human activities like deforestation and farming.
Farming and mining contribute immensely to the country’s economy but the misuse of chemicals in the two sectors has been identified as harmful not only to humans but the environment as well.
The agriculture sector heavily relies on agrochemicals like fertilisers and pesticides while the mining sector uses cyanide and mercury.
The African ChemObs programme is bringing together major stakeholders like EMA, Ministry of Health and Child Care as well as the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
A team has been dispatched to the Midlands Province to meet and conscientise farmers and miners on the proper management, use and storage of such chemicals.
The team met students and lecturers and farmers at Mlezu Agricultural College before engaging with miners at Tiger Reef Mine.
EMA Acting Midlands Provincial Principal Officer, Mr Union Mapxashike said the program intends to reduce the possible harm caused by mishandling or misuse of chemicals to humans and the environment.
“In partnership with the ministries of Health and that of Agriculture, we are conducting this education and awareness across various sectors of the economy. We are targeting these two groups so that we raise awareness on how they manage and handle chemicals in a safe and proper manner,” he said.
“The chemicals used by these two sectors have adverse effects on the health of people and of the environment. The thrust is to ensure that we disseminate as much information as we can so that they can share with their peers. We also want to ensure that the legal frameworks in ensuring the safety of the humans and environment are adhered to.”
If not handled properly, the chemicals may cause both chronic and acute diseases.
“They may cause diseases that may lead to various cancer types. They may lead to reproductive toxicity which may result in reproductive problems and giving birth to children with disabilities,” he explained.
“Most chemicals are designed to destroy, but the problem comes when they destroy the wrong target which is called non-target organisms. So proper management of these chemicals is key so that they may not find themselves in the wrong places like water bodies and affect the environment and the human body as a result.”
EMA Hazardous substances officer, Mr Irvine Nyaguwa said it was important for both miners and farmers not to use banned chemicals.
He said both sectors are key in the economy.
“There are some chemicals that are harmful to the environment and humans that have been banned. I know DDT has been banned for agricultural use and mercury is in the process of being banned while an alternative chemical is being looked for. Let us adhere to using those recommended chemicals,’ he said.
The Principal Research Officer in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development under the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds and Remedies Institute Mr Kenneth Chipere said farmers should buy chemicals from reputable shops.
He also said responsible disposal of containers is also important.
“We encourage you farmers and miners to buy chemicals from reputable shops. Also be warned against burning chemical containers but use the triple rinsing method and engage suppliers for collection of the containers to avoid reckless dumping,” he said.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu