Africa Strengthens Efforts Against Agricultural Plastic Pollution with Innovative Solutions and Collaborative Initiatives
African nations are intensifying their strategies to combat agricultural plastic pollution. During a recent regional webinar hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) titled The Voluntary Code of Conduct for Plastics in Agriculture: African Experiences and the Way Forward, experts from various countries exchanged practical solutions and innovative initiatives aimed at mitigating the environmental impacts of plastics while ensuring agricultural productivity remains intact.
The Growing Challenge of Plastic Waste
Plastics have become increasingly integral to food production across Africa. However, the inadequate management of plastic waste poses significant environmental and health risks. Ayman Omer, FAO’s Deputy Regional Representative for Africa, emphasized the importance of the FAO’s Provisional Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Sustainable Use and Management of Plastics in Agriculture (VCoC) as a framework for national action. He stated that the VCoC offers practical guidance for countries to develop policies and strategies addressing agricultural plastics throughout their lifecycle.
Innovative Country-Level Initiatives
Experiences shared by various countries highlighted both the magnitude of the challenge and the potential for innovative solutions. In Kenya, the FARM project is enhancing the lifecycle management of agricultural plastic waste through collaboration among government agencies, producer responsibility organizations, and stakeholders across the agrifood value chain. Annastacia Vyalu, Senior Compliance Officer at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), noted that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an effective tool for reducing agricultural plastic pollution while promoting circularity and resource recovery. The FARM pilot program, currently operating in three counties, is expected to expand nationwide and eventually throughout East Africa.
As Kenya develops its collection systems, attention is also being directed toward specific types of plastic packaging within the agricultural value chain. Fertilizer bags, a common source of plastic waste, often go unmanaged after their use. Killian Banda, Senior Specialist for Market Development and Intelligence at the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), presented findings from a multi-country study that explored this issue. The study revealed a widespread awareness of plastic pollution among stakeholders, yet persistent challenges such as weak regulatory enforcement and limited recycling infrastructure remain. Recommendations included promoting reusable packaging, enhancing recycling incentives, and investigating biodegradable alternatives.
Exploring Biodegradable Alternatives
The webinar also showcased innovative alternatives to conventional plastics. Field trials in pineapple production demonstrated that coconut coir mulch can effectively replace traditional plastic mulch. Dr. Ebenezer Laryea, an Associate Professor at Aston University in the United Kingdom, reported that the project conducted in Ghana showed biodegradable alternatives could achieve comparable agricultural performance while minimizing plastic waste. With FAO’s support, a new phase will test biodegradable seedling bags in cocoa nurseries through 2026.
In addition to agricultural applications, participants highlighted the importance of innovation in fisheries. Emma Algotsson, CEO of the South African company Catchgreen, shared results from three years of trials in Kenya, where biodegradable ropes, nets, and traps performed similarly to conventional fishing gear. Algotsson pointed out that the challenge lies not just in replacing plastic but in designing fishing gear that is effective during use and does not persist in the environment for decades.
The Call for Comprehensive Solutions
The discussions underscored a collective understanding that recycling alone will not resolve the issue of agricultural plastic pollution. Participants advocated for the development of affordable alternatives, stronger policy frameworks, improved collection systems, and enhanced collaboration among public and private stakeholders.
Building on the insights gained during the webinar, the FAO will continue to support countries in implementing the VCoC, including initiatives like the FARM project in Kenya and the next phase of the Ghana coconut-coir project, to facilitate the transition toward more sustainable agrifood systems across the continent.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-07-13 17:10:00 • By the Editorial Desk
