Green Pesticides in Nigeria:An Overview

Abstract

With Nigeria’s burgeoning population, there is an ever-increasing need to step-up agricultural productivity. There has been an overzealous application of scientific techniques, such as chemical pesticides and herbicides, bringing its own set of problems, ranging from pollution of water resources to destruction of wildlife. In a bid to maximize crop yield from available arable land, many old, non-patented, more toxic, environmentally persistent and inexpensive pesticides are used extensively in Nigeria. The fate of these pesticides has become a source of concern particularly in the developing world where they are used indiscriminately.  Protecting the environment is crucial in improving the lives of poor people in developing countries, because they pay a higher price when the environment turns against them. This paper examines first, the relationship between food security, agrochemicals and the environment and highlights some strategies for sustainable use of plant protection products. It further highlights the challenges hampering the use of green pesticides in Nigeria.

Keywords: agrochemicals, food security, green pesticides, sustainability