WSSD Seminar Paper by 2KR Monitoring Network
From Eco-Damaging Aid to Sustainable Agri-Cooperation
Part I: Situation of Obsolete Pesticides Stockpiles

1. Obsolete Pesticides Stockpiles in Developing Countries:

• 400,000 - 500,000 tonnes (FAO 2001, pp.3-4)
  "No developing country or economy in transition that does not have a stockpile of obsolete pesticides.
  Even countries that claimed to have no obsolete pesticides (...) are now admitting to holding significant stocks."
• 50,000 tones of Obsolete Pesticides in Africa (ASP 2002, pp.1-7)
• Only 5% of the estimated stockpiles have been disposed;
• $3500 /tonne of waste is needed for export & disposal = $150-175 million

"Many of these pesticides and their containers are in poor condition and threaten local and regional environments through the contamination of soil, water and air. The dangers worsen with each passing day."

2. Reasons for Stockpile Accumulation:

In Developing Countries:
Inadequate regulation & management of pesticides:
weak import controls; poor storage & stock management;
a lack of training and education on appropriate pesticide use.
&<-&>In Industrialized Counties, things are tightly controlled. (ASP 2002)

1. Product bans
2. Inadequate storage and stock management
3. Unsuitable products or packaging
4. Donation or purchase in excess of need
5. Lack of coordination between donor agencies
6. Commercial interests of private sector and hidden factors (FAO 1995)

3. Results:

• Pictures (FAO CD-Rom )
• "Summary of known obsolete pesticides stocks, July 2000" (FAO 2001)
• "Obsolete Pesticides Stockpiles Africa Inventories" (ASP 2002)