Use and distribution of organochlorine pesticides. The future in Africa

Abstract

Pesticides have been used in the continent for about eight decades. Major use has been in agriculture, livestock development, and disease vectors control. Recent international conventions have been made with little scientific data and information on the tropical situation. Rapid development of resistance to pesticides demands better scientific understanding of pest management. Tropical research data on organochlorine pesticides show rapid degradation pattern, low residue levels, and widespread distribution. Given the above, there is a need to factor into consideration tropical climatological calamities in any future pesticide policy. Continued use of pesticides is anticipated in the tropics.