They can then decide whether they want to permit or ban future imports. So far 23 African countries have taken import decisions on the listed hazardous chemicals. Yet some still have no approved pesticides legislation. Although pesticide use in Africa is the lowest of all continents because of poverty, instability and unreliable rains, there are areas of intensive pesticide use. For example, large-scale commercial farms growing vegetables close to the cities and plantations producing export crops apply large doses.
Considerable scope remains for technical assistance to improve pesticide regulations and management.
Restrictions on products that cannot be handled safely in developing countries should be considered by the industry and governments. In Asia, farmers have successfully reduced toxic insecticides by more than 70 percent and increased rice production. IPM pilot projects have also started in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Kenya. In this way, more food can be grown with less risk to the environment.