Proper use of Pesticides in Ethiopia

Guest blog by Akalu Teshome Firew, IPP ’24

Crop production and productivity in Ethiopia remain very low. One of the major reasons for this low productivity is the damage caused by both regular and migratory pests. Pesticides are critical inputs for enhancing agricultural productivity within Ethiopia’s food system. However, the misuse of pesticides is a common issue in agricultural practices across the country. The use of hazardous pesticides not only affects crop yields but also poses significant risks to human health and the environment. 

Through the IPP program, I learned that the policy challenge of pesticide misuse in Ethiopia is particularly complex, as it involves a situation where necessary knowledge is distributed among various agents, each possessing specialized expertise. The key factors contributing to this complexity include dispersed knowledge, specialized expertise, coordination challenges, and contextual factors. In such cases, the traditional “plan and control” approach to policy implementation may be inadequate, as it relies on centralized knowledge and control over the implementation process. Therefore, it is crucial to “go beyond orthodoxy.” 

The key learnings from the IPP program include the key parts of the typical policy implementation process, such as policy formulation, planning and design, stakeholder engagement, resource mobilization, and capacity building.  

Furthermore, I have recognized that effectively communicating my lessons and insights is an important step in addressing my policy challenges. Engaging in effective communication and leveraging diverse inputs can lead to a deeper understanding of the root causes of these issues, ultimately opening new and more effective solutions. 

Additionally, I have learned about the importance of psychological safety, the need to build and expand authorization, the value of celebrating and tracking small wins, and the significance of engaging stakeholders in a participative process to analyze root causes and design effective changes.  

Through the PDIA process, I made significant progress and gained valuable insights regarding my policy challenges related to pesticide misuse in Ethiopia. Here are the key developments: 

• Stakeholder Engagement: I discussed my policy challenges with various stakeholders, including my supervisor, to raise awareness of the issues at hand. 

• Fishbone Analysis: I conducted a fishbone analysis with experts from organizations such as the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), universities, and research institutes. 

• Team Formation: I established a team comprising members from research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders. I defined the team’s purpose and objectives clearly to ensure alignment. 

• Resource Allocation: Our organization’s coordinator agreed to allocate resources for our initiatives. 

• Fishbone Development: I made progress in refining the fishbone diagram. 

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): We agreed to identify and document Integrated Pest Management practices in Ethiopia, which is a key strategy for minimizing pesticide risks to human health and the environment. 

• Recruitment and Data Collection: We recruited a master’s student to conduct an inventory and analyze IPM practices in Ethiopia. A data collection format was prepared, and I provided orientation to the MSc student. Data collection was completed, and data analysis has begun, with a draft analysis in progress. 

• Draft Report: A draft report on IPM practices has been produced. 

• Building Alliances: I met with representatives from GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), including the policy advisor and general director, as well as private sector representatives, to create an alliance for collaborative efforts. 

• Evidence Generation: We generated empirical evidence to support pesticide policy development. 

This approach has equipped me with valuable insights and strategies that I will apply to future challenges, enabling me to construct and deconstruct problems while fostering a more collaborative, evidence-based, and sustainable problem-solving framework. 

I am actively applying what I have learned in this course in the following ways: 

1. Utilization of Analytical Tools: I plan to use analytical frameworks, such as the fishbone diagram, to systematically identify root causes of problems and develop targeted solutions in future projects. 

2. Implementation of Collaborative Strategies: I will continue to engage with diverse stakeholders to address policy challenges, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. 

3. Evidence-Based Decision Making: I will prioritize the collection and analysis of empirical data to inform policy recommendations, ensuring that my approaches are grounded in solid research and evidence. 

4. Advocacy for Sustainable Practices: I intend to promote integrated pest management (IPM) and other sustainable agricultural practices, leveraging my understanding of their benefits to human health and the environment. 

5. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: I will remain open to ongoing learning and feedback, adapting my strategies based on new insights and experiences to enhance effectiveness. 

By integrating these lessons into my work, I aim to create a more impactful to addressing the challenges I face in my field. 

Here are a few key insights for fellow PDIA practitioners: 

• Embrace Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt your strategies as you learn more about the context and the stakeholders involved. Flexibility can lead to more effective solutions. 

• Engage Diverse Stakeholders: Involve a wide range of voices in the problem-solving process. Diverse perspectives can reveal insights that you might not have considered and foster greater ownership of solutions. 

• Focus on Small Wins: Celebrate small successes along the way. These wins can build momentum and encourage continued effort, even in the face of larger challenges. 

• Prioritize Learning: Treat every project as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what works and what doesn’t, and be open to adjusting your approach based on these reflections. 

• Stay Committed to Evidence: Ground your decisions in data and research. This will not only enhance the credibility of your work but also increase the likelihood of achieving meaningful outcomes. 

By applying these principles, you can enhance your effectiveness as a PDIA practitioner and contribute to sustainable, impactful solutions in your communities. 

This is a blog series written by the alumni of the Implementing Public Policy Executive Education Program at the Harvard Kennedy School. 42 Participants successfully completed this 6-month hybrid program in November 2024. These are their learning journey stories.