The Pesticide Mis-Use Campaign emerges from growing concerns about the misuse of pesticides in tomato production and handling in Uganda. In 2024, the Plantwise Plus Pesticide Risk Reduction initiative conducted a series of studies to better understand these challenges and guide policies on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). The findings highlighted the urgent need for an integrated communication effort to raise awareness, shift behaviors, and promote safer practices among key stakeholders without undermining agricultural productivity. This campaign builds directly on that groundwork, seeking to strengthen the link between policy advocacy, farmer awareness, and consumer safety.
TRAC FM will implement the campaign in partnership with CABI, targeting the greater Kampala region and central Uganda. By engaging agro-dealers, consumers, traders, farmers, handlers, and extension workers, the campaign will deliver actionable messages through interactive radio talk shows (on Radio Simba in Kampala and Buddu FM in Masaka), multilingual content, community-driven dialogue, and creative formats such as jingles and skits. Data collected from six poll questions and a structured survey will provide real-time insights into audience perceptions and practices, enabling continuous refinement of campaign strategies. With 12 talk shows, six infographics, and a strong emphasis on participatory engagement, the campaign aims to empower communities to embrace Integrated Pest Management (IPM), adopt safe food handling practices, and reduce reliance on harmful pesticide use.Pesticide Mis-Use Campaign
The Pesticide Mis-Use Campaign (1st September 2025 – 15th February 2026) aims to equip farmers, traders, agro-dealers, and extension workers with knowledge on safe pesticide use, tomato production, and post-harvest handling. Through radio talk shows, polls, surveys, and infographics, the campaign will raise awareness, promote safer practices, and drive behavior change to improve food safety and public health.