ICHACP Conference 2022

Agricultural chemicals, notably fertilizers and pesticides among others, have improved modern agriculture tremendously. In order to obtain increased crop yields, the use of fertilizers and pesticides is a necessity in most developing countries. However, environmental hazards may result from wrong usage, wrong calculation of application rates, improper application technique, and general abuse. The impact of agricultural chemicals on humans and the environment has become an important subject of study in recent times. Several international conventions and agreements have set out strategies and programmes to counter environmental degradation and promote sustainable development. The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the European Union (EU) have continuously recommended that acute hazard categories of pesticides should not be used in the developing countries, because they are dangerous to the environment. The indiscriminate use of agricultural chemicals therefore, clearly presents enormous challenges to food security and has implications for food quality and safety, as well as the environment and health of the populace. The objectives of this Conference therefore, is to highlight the possible implications of the hazards of agricultural chemicals and practices on the environment, food security and public health in developing countries of the world.