Risks of pesticides on aquatic ecosystems and pesticide management effectiveness in Ethiopia: review

Abstract

Despite their significance in food security, pesticides have the potential to seriously harm both the environment and human health. It may lower the rates of egg hatching, offspring growth, vision, illness resistance, predator avoidance, and overall population survival. Nevertheless, over 75% of Ethiopian farmers lack the literacy to read pesticide labels and comprehend the consequences of pesticide residues on the environment. Pesticides are mixed and applied in close proximity to bodies of water, including sources of drinkable water. Farmers in the country overuse and misuse the pesticides without worrying about its negative effects. Ethiopia failed to adequately enforce its environmental protection laws to reduce the harmful effects of pesticide residues. The aim of this review is to summarize the trends of pesticide use, the effects of pesticide residues on aquatic ecosystems, the pesticide application practices, and the level of enforcement of pesticide laws in the country. The literature search was done using different search engines. Disagreement among policies, absence of liability for overlooking duties, negligence of the pesticide effects on human health and the environment, and a strong commitment to short-term economic growth are reasons for ineffective law enforcement. Regular supply chain inspections, management of pesticide use, and widespread awareness campaigns are crucial steps to reduce the harmful effects of pesticides on the environment, living things, and humans. Establishing pesticide-free buffer zones for water bodies, replacing the contradictory sectorial policies with integrated development policy, and executing the policy objectives are also crucial steps that need to be taken.