Exploring the Role of Synthetic Pesticide Use – An Enabel Workshop

Enabel,  the Belgian development agency, hosted a workshop to address the implications of synthetic pesticide use and to explore related sustainable agricultural practices and effective strategies for pesticide management. 

Ivy Saunyama, Agricultural Officer from the Pest and Pesticides Management Team of the Plant Production and Protection Division at FAO, presented the Organization's approach to sustainable pesticide management. 

FAO's mission in this domain focuses on fostering sustainable agriculture by ensuring the sound lifecycle management of pesticides and promoting the sustainable control of plant pests. This is achieved through the development of policies, guidelines, and international standards that govern pest and pesticide management.  

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a cornerstone of FAO's efforts, seeks to minimize reliance on synthetic pesticides while enhancing national capacities for effective pesticide risk reduction. Additionally, the Organization empowers farmers through participatory initiatives like Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and advocates for biodiversity-friendly practices aligned with international chemical conventions. 

These efforts are closely tied to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those addressing poverty eradication, food security, health, responsible production, and land conservation. By integrating traditional practices, modern scientific advancements, and community engagement, FAO's IPM approach offers a viable path toward reducing dependency on synthetic pesticides. 

The workshop highlighted the necessity of collaboration among international organizations, local authorities, NGOs, and consumers to effectively tackle challenges associated with synthetic pesticide use. By fostering aligned efforts and sharing best practices, the Belgian cooperation network can play a leading role in advancing sustainable agriculture. The session also underscored FAO's leadership and its comprehensive framework as a guiding example for achieving better production, better nutrition, and a better environment for a better life on a global scale.