Chemicals

1.0 BACKGROUND The main purpose of this program is to raise awareness of POPS impact on the environment and human health among farming communities using communication tools, that is brochures and posters.the pilot program will be conducted in 4 villages in Murehwa District which include Madyamhuru, Chitate, Magaya and Gutu where communities are engaged in horticulture activities for sustenance and use of agro chemical for pest control. information on bans or restrictions have not reached everyone concerned- local pesticide dealers, health personnel, extension workers and farmers. Greenviron proposes first to identify knowledge gaps on POPS among farming communities.the project also seeks to raised awareness on the negative impact of POPs on the environment and human health.another objective of the project is to assess on understanding and knowledge of symbols used on chemicals.the project also proposes to develop POPOs information campaign material that will be disseminated to communities on the environment and health hazards associated with with agriculture chemicals. the project overall longterm goal is to reduce and or eliminate th use of POPs, by using more sustainable alternative practices based on integrated management principles. The twelve POPs include Organo-chlorine, DDT, Aldrin, Chlordane, Toxaphene and Industrial chemicals. By reducing the application or use of these chemicals at local level the communities will be contributing towards the overall goal of elimination of environmental impacts caused by POPs. Zimbabwe is a signatory to the Stockholm Convention which controls the production and use of POPs. 2.0 OBJECTIVES a) To get support and commitment from the decision makers and stakeholders in order to successfully implement the awareness raising programme b) To conduct a baseline survey to obtain information on POPs in terms of the level of awareness among commuities on health risks associated with POPs. c) To evaluate community knowledge on symbols/pictograms and colors used on chemicals d) To test and assess community ability to identify environmental and health risk information 3.0 OUTPUTS -stakeholder committement obtained - local leadership/ administrative structures informed of intended project -knowledge on chemical names, environment and health risk identified and baseline survey report produced for action -symbols/pictograms with the highest compressibility identified -community equipped with knowledge to interpret statements to themselves and others -tested POPS campaign materials and a report produced on the pretest study. 4.0 ACTIVITIES -conduct 2 meetings with ZFU, 4 local leadership meetings and 1 meeting with suppliers and vendors -procure samples of POPs used in the farming communities -administer interviews based on chemical identity, warning signs and precaution and risk assessments. -analyze the subjects ranking of chemical hazards and explanations f chemical hazards -develop demonstration campaign materials that is posters and brochures -print campaign materials -conduct pre testing of awareness materials at site.

Zimbabwe