Farmers in Machakos County have been urged to adopt biological pesticides as a sustainable alternative to chemical-based pest control. The call came during a one-day training held in Kabaa, organized by Mount Kenya University (MKU) in collaboration with the University of Nairobi and other partners.
More than 30 farmers attended the workshop, where agricultural experts demonstrated how to use biological pest control methods effectively. The initiative aims to help local farmers improve productivity, reduce production costs, and protect the environment.
Prof. Cecilia Moraa Onyango, an associate professor from the Department of Crop Science and Crop Protection at the University of Nairobi, underscored the financial and ecological benefits of this shift. “Embracing biological pesticides offers a sustainable solution, reducing costs for farmers while simultaneously protecting our delicate ecosystem,” she stated.
Prof. Onyango emphasized that many farmers spend significant amounts on chemical pesticides, which not only harm the environment but also pose health risks to consumers and degrade soil quality. Biological alternatives, derived from natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts, offer targeted pest control without these negative side effects.
Dr. Allan Mweke, a lecturer in the Department of Animal Health and Production at MKU, noted that biological pesticides could also help farmers combat the growing challenge of pesticide-resistant pests. “Many farmers face dwindling productivity due to the alarming rise of pesticide-resistant pests, a direct consequence of the prolonged and widespread application of chemical treatments,” said Dr. Mweke.
He added that the persistent use of chemical pesticides has led to increased interceptions of Kenyan produce in international markets due to residue levels exceeding global standards. This has resulted in significant losses for both farmers and exporters.
By transitioning to biological pest control, Dr. Mweke explained, farmers not only stand to improve their yields but also enhance the global competitiveness of their produce.
The training included hands-on demonstrations, giving farmers practical knowledge on how to apply biological pest management techniques on their farms. Organizers expressed hope that this knowledge transfer would lead to widespread adoption across the county and beyond.
