“Expanding our product offering into Africa isn’t just about growing our business, it’s actually about offering African farmers effective and sustainable alternatives to harsh chemical pesticides” explains Paul Kuiper, Business Development Director at realIPM.
realIPM, a leading biological and sustainable alternative product provider to the agricultural industry in South Africa will now be able to offer farmers in Zambia and Zimbabwe a selection of their products, through distributors in-country.
Pesticide imports and use across Africa has increased steadily since 2015, doubling in West Africa, while Nigeria’s imports exceed Southern and Northern Africa’s combined imports. The concern lies in recorded use. Due to the lack of resources and capacity in most African countries, there is poor record keeping of the actual use of the pesticides. Furthermore, despite increasing pesticide use across Africa, levels of food insecurity and malnourishment continue to increase.
Farmers may also inadvertently open themselves to crop loss if they purchase chemicals containing banned or restricted chemicals from unregistered traders. Not only will they lose revenue (as a result of authorities sending their goods back), but they may harm their workforce, aggravate poor soil conditions and pollute water resources.
If we wish to see integrated farming practices taking route in African countries, it is imperative that these farmers have access to products that support integrated pest management with biological and biodegradable alternatives.
realIPM has observed that farmers in southern Africa need to have access to registered products that afford them safer alternatives.
‘We have partnered with Polachem in Zimbabwe and AgriWes in Zambia to ensure we have in-country partners who are able to consult and supply our products. We offer our clients more than just product delivery, and we feel that Polachem and AgriWes will deliver the same value-added service that includes on-farm assessment and assistance in using our products. Changing over from harsh chemicals to sustainable alternatives requires more than just a delivery note!’ explains Kuiper.
Access to alternative agricultural inputs is just the start of the journey to sustainable farming in Africa and realIPM is excited to be a part of the evolution that will surely lead to increased sustainability and production.
ENDS
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Melina Lewis
