In a significant move towards enhancing the safety of farmers in Kenya, a new protective garment that is ISO- certified made of breathable and reusable materials, comfortable and cost-effective personal protective clothing has been launched.
The collaboration between the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the International Center for PPE (ICPPE) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, BASF, and Syngenta, aims to improve the safety standards for farmers handling pesticides. Over 110 farmers across Kenya participated in a wear study to provide feedback on the garments’ comfort, durability, color and design.
According to Fredrick N. Muchiri, CEO of the Pest Control Products Board, h handling and using pesticides should be done with adherence to safety measures through the effective use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).The mandate of the board is to ensure that PPEs used in Kenya meet the necessary standards which are affordability and available in the market.
‘’We will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders in training in training Pest Control Providers on the need of enhancing safety measures when handling and using Pest Control Products in the country’’, he said.
Ambrose Kirobi, a farmer representative, highlighted that farmers who use PPE correctly are motivated and deliver better output in carrying out farming activities which is vital to sustainable farmer productivity.
He urged creating more awareness on the correct PPE to be used should remain a fundamental goal for all agricultural stakeholders.
Anugrah Shaw, coordinator of the ICPPE Initiative, highlighted on the challenges with users not wearing appropriate protective clothing is due to heat stress and comfort especially in tropical climates.
The new ISO certified garments is designed to balance protection and comfort, addressing these issues effectively,’’ he said.
According to Gift Mbaya, Country Cluster Head and Head of Agriculture Solutions at BASF East Africa Ltd, investing in personal protective clothing is all about protecting the health and safety of farmers and the communities around them. He added by emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and responsible future.
Given Mudenda, Business Area Head in East and Southern Africa for Syngenta, reiterated the company’s dedication to the safety of farmers and farm workers. This entails the extensive stewardship initiatives of protective garment that ensures responsible crop protection handling practices that fosters safety culture among farmers and operators within the country and beyond. He added that every farmer deserves access to quality protective gear that will ensure they work sustainably.
The launch of these ISO 27065-certified garments marks a significant milestone in promoting safe agricultural practices in Kenya, with the potential to influence a broader shift towards prioritizing safety and responsible practices in the agricultural sector and the environment.
