Foreword

Welcome! This web site hosts information on the joint FAO - Government of Mozambique project that aims at collecting and disposing of obsolete pesticides as well as preventing further accumulation in Mozambique. The project is supported by the Government of Japan and the Government of The Netherlands. This web site provides general information on the situation prevailing in the country as well as on the progress of the collection and disposal activities of the project.

Scope of the problem in Africa

FAO estimates that more than 50’000 tonnes of obsolete pesticides are currently accumulated throughout Africa, many in rotting, rusting containers or bags that were stored or discarded up to 40 years ago. Tens of thousands of tonnes soils have also been contaminated. Obsolete pesticide stocks include also persistent organic pollutants (POPs) banned internationally by the Stockholm POPs Convention. These pesticides pose serious threats to the health of both rural and urban populations and contribute to land and water degradation.

Scope of the problem in Mozambique

Over the last 15 years, 1’150 tonnes of obsolete pesticides stocks have been inventoried and removed out of Mozambique. In 2002, approximately an additional 650 tonnes of obsolete pesticides and assimilated waste was again inventoried and lead FAO and the Government to develop a plan to collect and dispose them of to definitely clear Mozambique of all important stocks of obsolete pesticides.

Various reasons for pesticide accumulation have been identified in the country such as the inappropriate procurement and past central purchasing policy, the pressure to stockpile pesticides for unforeseen emergencies to control migratory pest, the lack of coordination between donor agencies or the import of products that are mislabelled.