Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(i.e., residue data) following alleged incidents of wildlife poisoning. It is also of paramount
importance to identify any other relevant products/compounds that are being misused or
whose chemical properties are similar to carbofuran (e.g., Marshal/carbosulfan). The forensic
investigation detailed in Section 3.6 revealed residues of carbofuran and its metabolites in
vulture tissue, talons/feet and beaks, and in soil, water and plant samples using HPLC and GC/
MS. Further work of this type, also investigating residues of metabolites, should be pursued.
The relevance of cholinesterase assays and fi eld testing kits (as discussed in Chapter 1) in the
Kenyan context and the feasibility of using such tests should also be explored.
5. Pursue educational programmes on safe handling of pesticides and repercussions of mis-
use to people and wildlife
Section 3.3 discussed the use of workshops and informal meetings to outline alternative
livelihoods, non-destructive means of managing wildlife confl ict and the value of biodiversity
to tourism. Negotiations with relevant parks and reserve authorities should also be undertaken to
ensure that adjacent communities receive a just fi nancial benefi t from tourism. The national
and international bird conservation authorities should consider upgrading the status of wildlife-
rich irrigation schemes and other agricultural regions for conservation and tourism purposes,
without hindering ongoing cultivation (e.g., construction of observatories and blinds for bird
watching). In the case of wild bird poisoning for human consumption, if local communities
can generate more revenue over a longer term, from having an abundance of bird species in
their midst (and if poachers could be called upon to serve as birding guides instead), the short-
term gains of poaching may be viewed in a different light.
6. Better training and record keeping
The situation with Furadan has illustrated the diffi culty in controlling the distribution of
pesticides (and monitoring their misuse as baits) once they are on the Kenyan market. Proper
usage and handling can only be achieved if the handlers are informed and if the products have
clear, simple labels and instructions on the contents (including active ingredients) and the
recommended dosages, in the relevant languages. Stockists, distributors and traders should be
properly informed of the toxic limits, toxic effects, existing laws and regulations because they
essentially have control of sales to the farmer. They could monitor and keep better records of
pesticide product sales and deliver messages directly to agricultural and livestock farmers as well
as other customers on safe handling, exposure and disposal of containers as well as penalties
existing in the law for offenders. The PCPB could carry out spot checks and follow up in the
market and in farms to verify the records of sale in agrovet shops and adherence to regulation.
7. Better transparency and unrestricted access to information
As outlined in Section 3.8, the PCPB regulates the registration, importation, sale and
distribution of pesticides and is mandated to maintain records of the amounts imported. The
PCPB keeps a list of imported pesticides and their intended specifi c purposes, however access
to this list is now restricted. One has to join as a member (annual membership fee of KSh
1000) before having access to information on their website. While this fee may be affordable
to organisations, it can be quite a hindrance for individuals such as students or researchers who
may need just a single access to the information. It also means the PCPB is not being open and
democratic with important government information. Given that the list does not contain sensitive
information, the reasons for restricting access are not entirely clear.
8. Initiation of further studies
Agricultural areas should be more rigorously monitored for residues of agrochemicals.
Ongoing monitoring efforts should assess the exposure risks and repercussions of aquatic
species and benefi cial insects, both currently under-represented in studies. It would also be
prudent to conduct an analysis of foodstuffs poisoned using Furadan and destined for human
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