UWR: EPA Urges Farmers to Reduce Chemical Use

The Senior Programme Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the Upper West Region, Fabian Aberinga, has advised farmers to reduce their dependence on chemical pesticides, weedicides and fertilizers and adopt environmentally friendly farming practices to help combat land degradation and desertification.

Mr. Aberinga made the remarks during an interview on Kangyiri Ansuma, the flagship morning show of Kangyiri Radio, as part of discussions marking this year’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

According to him, the EPA regularly organizes educational programmes for farmers and agrochemical dealers to promote the safe and responsible use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals.

He expressed concern that some farmers engage in dangerous practices, including tasting pesticides while mixing them to determine their strength.

He stressed that such practices pose serious health risks and should be discouraged.

Mr. Aberinga encouraged farmers to complement the moderate use of agrochemicals with organic manure and compost to improve soil fertility and increase crop yields sustainably.

“Instead of relying solely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, farmers should create compost from crop residues and apply it alongside other inputs. This helps improve soil health and ultimately leads to better yields,” he explained.

He noted that although some farmers argue that their large farm sizes make it difficult to produce enough compost for their entire farms, the gradual application of organic manure remains an effective approach.

He explained that farmers can begin by applying compost to portions of their farms and gradually extend coverage over time until the entire farmland benefits from improved soil conditions.

The EPA official further highlighted the importance of utilizing organic waste materials, including crop residues and other biodegradable materials, which can be composted and returned to the soil rather than discarded.

Mr. Aberinga also observed that many farmers tend to expand their farm sizes in pursuit of higher yields due to declining soil productivity. However, he argued that increasing acreage is not always the solution.

He emphasized that properly managing and enriching smaller plots of land can produce higher yields than cultivating larger areas with degraded soils.

According to him, sustainable land management practices, including composting, organic manure application and responsible chemical use, are critical measures in addressing desertification, restoring soil fertility and improving agricultural productivity.

Mr. Aberinga assured that the EPA would continue its public education efforts to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices across the region.

The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annually to raise awareness about land degradation, desertification and drought while encouraging actions that promote sustainable land management and environmental conservation.