Agrochemical Implications for Cereal Production, Processing, Public Health, and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Abstract

The growing reliance on agrochemicals for cereal farming has greatly impacted farm activities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), escalating risks for environmental sustainability, public health, food safety, and food security. This review analyses the hyperbolic implications of agrochemical application, specifically pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, across the cereal value chain from farming to post-harvest activities. The use of agrochemicals does improve yield and pest control, however, their rampant and almost routine use leads to detrimental effects. These include soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, increasing amounts of agrochemical residues in cereal grains and processed food products, and water contamination. Rural farming communities and consumers suffer the most. Direct contact, inhalation, or ingestion of contaminated food and water makes them vulnerable. Contaminated food and water make people susceptible to long-term respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, and certain cancers. Children and pregnant women are especially more affected by exposure. These chemicals increase short-term food availability by enhancing yields, but their misuse decreases long-term food sustainability from declining soil fertility, increased cost of inputs, and pesticide resistance. Furthermore, the lack of proper legislation, poor implementation, and low levels of farmer education exacerbate the problems of agrochemicals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic practices, and farmer training programs are more sustainable alternatives that could help achieve public health goals and reduce the use of harmful chemicals to more favourable levels. This review is based on scientific literature, policy documents, and case studies evaluating Sub-Saharan Africa in the literature, which provides evidence on the dire need for an agricultural approach that focuses on environmental care and health, along with development. Increasing policies for the regulation of agrochemicals, developing monitoring frameworks for agrochemical residues, encouraging sustainable agriculture, and collaboration between health and environmental professionals and leaders in agriculture will provide better outcomes. Solving the problem of agrochemicals will not only strengthen the whole cereal economy but will also work towards the broader aim of food and nutrition security in the region.