Cotton, often referred to as “white gold,” is one of the primary drivers of the rural economy in Tanzania, directly supporting over 500,000 households. But while this crop is essential for thousands of families, it hides a troubling reality: an alarming number of farmers and agricultural workers are falling victim to pesticide poisoning. A recent study published in the journal Toxics, and highlighted by Pesticides Action Network (PAN UK), sheds light on the severe consequences of using highly toxic pesticides. These findings underscore the urgent need for action to align the textile industry’s supply chains with truly responsible practices.
Farmers at Risk: Alarming Figures
According to the study, which surveyed 1,074 smallholder farmers and agricultural workers, 48% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of acute pesticide poisoning in the past year. Shockingly, only 6% of the victims sought medical attention, suggesting that the true health impacts are significantly underreported.
These avoidable poisonings highlight the dangers posed by the continued use of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs). Raphael John Mwezi, head of the Toxicology Unit at the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority, sounded the alarm:
“These results show the direct harm that dangerous pesticide use causes to workers’ health. The scale of the problem demands urgent action.”
The Culprits: Substances Banned Elsewhere
The study identified four active substances responsible for 80% of the reported cases of poisoning: profenofos, chlorpyrifos, lambda-cyhalothrin, and cypermethrin. Among them, profenofos, banned in over 30 countries due to its toxicity, was linked to 252 cases, causing severe symptoms such as respiratory distress and loss of consciousness. Chlorpyrifos, another internationally criticized chemical, was also a key contributor to this toxic mix.
Although the dangers of these substances are well known, they remain widely used in Tanzania due to a lack of strict regulations and accessible alternatives for smallholder farmers.
Women: The Overlooked Victims of Pesticide Exposure
Pesticide exposure extends beyond the individuals who directly handle and spray the chemicals. Women, often tasked with secondary duties such as entering recently treated fields or washing contaminated clothing, are particularly vulnerable. This indirect exposure, compounded by limited access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), exacerbates their risk.
Andrea Rother, a professor at the University of Cape Town, highlighted the limitations of current solutions:
“Providing personal protective equipment is not enough. The climatic conditions and gender-specific realities in Africa make these measures less effective in preventing poisonings.”
Solutions to Save Lives
To break this vicious cycle, experts recommend immediate and comprehensive changes:
- Reform agricultural policies: Stricter regulations are needed to ban the most dangerous pesticides.
- Strengthen health monitoring: Community-based surveillance systems could better detect and report poisoning cases.
- Promote sustainable alternatives: Transitioning to less toxic pest management methods, such as those used in organic farming, is critical.
Tanzania already has a growing organic cotton sector, demonstrating that it is possible to produce cotton in a way that is both profitable and respectful of workers’ health and the environment.
Deodatus Kakoko, a professor at Muhimbili University, emphasized the urgency of action:
“We need regular monitoring systems to identify and address these problems effectively. This study shows that the status quo is unsustainable.”
A Message for the Fashion Industry
As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental and social impact, these findings serve as a critical reminder: sustainability goes beyond using eco-friendly materials. It also includes safeguarding the health, safety, and dignity of the farmers who make this essential raw material possible.
To ensure truly responsible cotton production, the industry must commit to supporting safe and ethical agricultural practices. Protecting farmers is not just a moral imperative—it is the key to a sustainable future for the entire textile sector.