FAO gives Sh42m for pest control project

By Macharia Kamau

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) will spend Sh42 million to implement a pests life cycle management programme with the Pests Control Products Board (PCPB).

FAO Programme Associate Stanley Kimereh said the funding will assist in improving PCPB laboratory capacity assessment as well as analysis of pesticides and control management in the country.

“FAO is concerned that increased use of pesticides in the country required effective crop management in line with international standards to enhance agricultural production,” Kimereh said.

Close relations

He spoke at PCPB offices in Westlands during a visit by Israeli ambassador to Kenya Gil Haskel.  Haskel had paid a courtesy call to PCPB Director Gladys Maina. The visit was premised on close working relations between the UN agency and the Israel Government.

Israel intends to  work closely  with FAO in building the capacity of PCPB laboratories and training needs for the field staff. Maina said the FAO support will boost PCPB capacity on laboratory improvement procedures.

It will also develop mechanisms for use and disposal of pesticides to boost farm produce and improve lives  of the poor rural communities.

Maina welcomed FAO project, saying it will determine the extent and nature of pesticide waste and contamination in selected sites. The project will develop options for reducing the risks to human health and environment. Maina said the Board will continue  monitoring local and imported pesticides to combat counterfeits and ineffective pesticides that pose risk to human and plant life.

The envoy said Israel was keen to support PCPB lab capacity to control misuse of pesticides could hit the country’s local and international food markets. Haskel noted that Israel will continue to provide experts to the country to improve agricultural production in various sectors.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has won the Edouard Saouma award for its implementation of sustainable livelihood development project in the Mau Forest Complex.

KFS received the award during the 38th FAO Conference Awards in Rome, Italy this week.  The award consists of an inscribed medal, a scroll and a cash prize of Sh2.5 million.

It  was presented to KFS Director Mr David Mbugua in the company of KFS Board Chairman Mr Peter Kirigua (pictured , centre).

The Edouard Saouma Award is awarded to institutions and individuals who efficiently implement projects funded by FAO’s technical cooperation programme.