Bridges Trade BioRes • Volume 4 • Number 18 • 8th October 2004

Ugandan Coffee Exporters Concerned Over DDT Use

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The Ugandan Health Ministry’s approval of the use of DDT for the prevention of malaria has raised concerns among coffee farmers in Uganda over possible negative impacts on coffee exports. They fear that the DDT, though sprayed only in houses, could easily spill into agricultural fields, thus contaminating agricultural products that are then exported to Western countries with extremely strict market requirements. According to Clayton Arinanye, the executive director of the Uganda Coffee Trade Federation, if Europe — Uganda’s biggest coffee importer — tested any of Uganda’s agricultural products and found DDT residues, they would suspend Uganda’s exports. “The result would be catastrophic not only to the private sector but also the government,” said Arinanye. Given these consequences, much attention has been given to consultations and public awareness seminars about the use of DDT. During the private sector consultative workshop of the East African Customs Bill, exporters demanded that the government explain to the public the effects of DDT use to an agricultural economy such as Uganda’s. Farmers argue that since DDT has been banned in the US and other countries, it would be best for Uganda to consider other options.

When used to prevent malaria, DDT has proven to be highly effective. South Africa reduced the incidence of malaria in one province, KawZulu Natal, by over 80 percent in one year largely as a result of applying DDT. DDT is also appealing to developing countries because it is extremely cheap. At the same time, it is highly toxic, does not easily degrade into non-poisonous substances and can remain in the environment and the food chain for prolonged periods. After controversial negotiations, DDT was included under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants, which however provides for certain exemptions if DDT is used for “disease vector control” (see BRIDGES Weekly, 12 December 2000).

“DDT Use Irks Coffee Exporters, “NEW VISION, 28 September 2004; “MPs Back DDT to Curb Malaria, ” NEW VISION, 1 October 2004; “Uganda’s New War, ” TECH CENTRAL STATION, 26 May 2004; “Anti-Malaria Use Of DDT May Be Necessary Evil, ” REUTERS, 2 April 2003; “Flower Farmers Petition Parliament over DDT, ” THE MONITOR, 20 September 2004.