Current status of HHPs use in Ethiopia and of alternatives being used to phase them out

Agriculture in Ethiopia is the foundation of the country's economy. In an effort to increase production and productivity, the agriculture sector puts the use of inputs like pesticides and fertilizers as driving forces. The use of these inputs was introduced to smallholder farmers in the 1960s through agricultural extension systems. Since then, the use of pesticides by smallholder farmers showed a steady growth. Currently, special emphasis given to agriculture investment and the development of the flower sector contributes a lot to the import and use of pesticides. This increasing trend in the use of pesticides as part of development poses threats to human health and the environment.

This report includes information about pesticides use practices by smallholder farmers, registered pesticides and registration processes in Ethiopia, and the list of HHPs which are being used in Ethiopia. It also includes best practices and successful experiences on the development and use of agro-ecological techniques accomplished by different civil society organizations in Ethiopia. Some of the agro-ecological farming methods have been taken up as pioneering methods by the government extension systems.

This report relates to Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

Special thanks to IPEN's Anglophone Africa Regional Coordinator Silvani Mng'anya and IPEN's Anglophone Africa Regional Hub AGENDA for their important contributions to the development and finalization of the project.