08/04/2026
Balancing Agrochemical Regulation with Farmers’ Realities in Uganda
By Remigious Tebajjwa – Farmer
First and foremost, I would like to commend the Government of Uganda, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, for taking decisive steps to recall and ban hazardous agrochemicals from the market. This initiative, as highlighted in recent national news reports, is a critical move toward safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and ensuring food safety for Ugandans.
The recall of 18 agrochemicals—many of which have been linked to serious health risks including cancer, reproductive toxicity, and environmental contamination—demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing the long-term effects of chemical exposure on both farmers and consumers.
However, while this intervention is necessary, it does not fully address the underlying reasons why farmers have increasingly relied on such chemicals in the first place.
Understanding the Root Causes
As a farmer, I face several persistent challenges that push many of us toward the use of agrochemicals:
1. Dependence on Commercial Seeds The widespread use of hybrid and commercially modified seeds requires farmers to purchase new seeds every planting season. This creates a continuous financial burden, especially for small-scale farmers who operate with limited capital.
2. Climate Change Pressures Unpredictable weather patterns have made traditional and indigenous seeds less reliable. Many local varieties struggle to cope with prolonged droughts or excessive rainfall, forcing farmers to adopt chemical-supported farming methods to maintain yields.
3. High Labour Costs Agricultural labour has become increasingly expensive. In situations where mechanization is not accessible, farmers often resort to chemical alternatives for land preparation, w**d control, and crop preservation as a cost-saving measure.
Market Inefficiencies and Exploitation
Even more critical is the challenge farmers face in accessing fair markets.
Farmers invest heavily in production, yet they have little to no control over pricing. Market brokers dominate the system, often dictating prices without considering the farmer’s input costs or effort. Their primary objective is maximizing their own profits, frequently at the expense of farmers.
There is a common saying in local markets: “Omusubuzi teyeguya mulimi” — “A trader does not negotiate in favor of the farmer.”
This reflects the imbalance of power in agricultural markets, where farmers are left vulnerable and undervalued.
Why Farmers Resort to Chemicals
Given these realities, farmers are forced into survival-driven decisions:
To reduce labour costs, chemicals are used for land preparation instead of manual work or machinery.
Due to poor road infrastructure and expensive transportation, farmers use preservatives to maintain the appearance of produce during transit.
Since brokers prioritize visually appealing produce over organic quality, farmers are compelled to use chemicals to remain competitive in the market.
In essence, the system indirectly incentivizes the use of agrochemicals. Knowledge Gaps Among Consumers
Another contributing factor is the limited public awareness regarding food safety. Many consumers cannot differentiate between organic and chemically-treated produce. Without demand for safer, organic products, farmers have little motivation to shift toward sustainable practices.
The Way Forward
While banning harmful agrochemicals is an important step, a more holistic approach is required to achieve lasting impact:
Improve Market Access: Establish fair pricing systems and regulate broker activities to protect farmers’ interests.
Farmer Sensitization: Conduct nationwide education campaigns on the dangers of hazardous agrochemicals.
Local Language Communication: Translate safety information into local languages to ensure wider understanding.
Mechanization Support: Provide tractors and modern farming equipment at the village level to reduce reliance on chemicals.
Strengthen Farmer Associations: Empower farmers through cooperatives to enhance bargaining power and market access.
Conclusion;
If these structural challenges are not addressed, the ban alone will not eliminate the problem. These chemicals may still circulate through informal or black markets, continuing to pose serious health risks to Ugandans.
A sustainable solution requires balancing regulation with practical support for farmers. Only then can Uganda achieve safe, productive, and environmentally responsible agriculture.
Remigious Tebajjwa Farmer | Agribusiness Advocate
