PESTICIDES; A NECESSARY EVIL IN THE AGRICULTURAL VALUE CHAIN- A REVIEW

Even though pesticides constitute avery essential component of improved andmodern agriculture, the abuse of pesticideshas brought substantial poisoningworldwide, especially in developingcountries. This review investigates thepossible sources by which people areexposed to pesticides worldwide and theimpact on their livelihood. The group whooften are exposed to these chemicalsincludes, farm workers, children, farmers,and family members who have direct link tothe pesticide application sites as well aspersons who are exposed to these pesticidesthrough the domestic use of waterbodiesand consumption of foodstuff or cropssprayed with these pesticides. Central tothis review is the critical discussions of thedifferent scientific research findings onhealth effects and risks related to pesticidesusage. Again, organophosphates andorganochlorines pesticides are found inmost of the pesticide contaminated sites andcan remain in soil and waterbodies for alongtime. This work has also providedcases of incidence of carcinogenicity inhumans, as a result of pesticides use. Weconcluded that, breeding or developinginsect tolerant or resistant crops may curbthe profuse use of pesticides in agriculture.