SAICM Implementation in East Africa: Law Reform and Capacity Building for Sound Chemicals Management in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya
The three East African countries lack coherent policy and legal framework for sound chemicals management. The existing legislation is fragmented, overwhelmingly sectoral and sometimes conflicting. Implementation, monitoring and enforcement are weak across the region. The objectives of the project include; Strengthening legal frameworks which involve assessing current law and regulation, identifying both priority gaps to be addressed and elements of “good legal practices” in each of project countries, and working to build upon and replicate good legal models adapted to the national circumstances of each country,to improve monitoring, enforcement and compliance – on-the-ground SAICM implementation – is most effectively advanced through complementary and coordinated government and civil society action, to develop multi-stakeholder capacity for SAICM implementation. It is a two years project (2009-2010) to be implemented by AGENDA (Tanzania), iLima-Kenya and NAPE (Uganda), International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) participating organizations in the three countries staring May 2009. These NGOs will draw on the international expertise of the IPEN network to carry out the project. They will collaborate with Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL) (USA) and International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) (Sweden) to conduct assessments of domestic legal frameworks for chemicals management, identify good practices, and propose priority reforms based on international models of good practice, and to develop training modules for use in capacity development activities
SAICM Implementation in East Africa: Law Reform and Capacity Building for Sound Chemicals Management in Tanzania
This project aims to help safeguard the environmental health of people in Tanzania, especially mothers, children, and vulnerable communities by advancing SAICM implementation via effective reform of legal frameworks and broad capacity building. The project’s three mutually reinforcing objectives – strengthen national legal frameworks for sound chemicals management; promote improved monitoring, enforcement and compliance; and develop multi-stakeholder capacity for SAICM implementation -- will enhance the enabling environment for all implementation activities in the region. Initial activities of the project involves baseline survey, national stakeholders workshop, enhance communication and networking among stakeholders as well as developing situation analysis report and capacity building proposal.
Control of effects of chemicals to communities November 2008- November 2009
This is a one year project funded by the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS). It is one of the intervention of the study findings that were carried by AGENDA from 2004 to 2006 in Vikuge, Kibaha Region. The project aims at developing a sustainable strategy of reducing community exposure to DDT and other obsolete chemicals. The strategy will be in line with the National Environment Management Act, 2004 and the Stockholm convention. This will be achieved through sensitization of the stakeholders, collecting and analyzing blood and breast milk samples, sharing of results (including results for previous environmental studies); in meetings and focus group discussions. Selected community members will be trained in “community monitoring” so that they are able to identify and monitor chemical effects on sustainable manner. All will be done in collaboration with community and other stakeholders such as district authority, NEMC, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives. Overall objective of the project is to control further exposure of 1,758 Vikuge villagers from obsolete chemicals.
Capacity building for communities in the vicinity of shrimp farms and fish processing plants in Tanzania September 2008 – December 2009
The developmental goal of the project is to contribute to economically feasible, environmentally suitable and socially acceptable coastal fisheries production in Tanzania. The project has two phases of Fact finding and Mitigation of impacts. During phase 1 which started in September 2008, information on current status of affairs regarding shrimp farming and fish processing plants was obtained through a “fact finding study”. This was collected in two sites that were selected in Mafia district. Results of the fact finding study provided information on the locations, characteristics of site suitability and number of shrimp farming and fish processing plants and the growth trend in Mafia and Tanzania in general. The information obtained forms an input in setting up mitigation measures of social and environmental impacts associated with shrimp farming and fish processing activities. Phase 2 of the project will deal with mitigation of impacts identified during phase 1 through the following approaches: 1. Empowering communities with skills of environmental monitoring and reporting 2. Equipping communities with general knowledge of the environmental, socio-economic and cultural effects associated with the shrimp and other fisheries production and processing 3. Equipping communities with skills on sustainable medium, small and micro production and processing of fish and shrimp and 4. Empowering communities with negotiation/advocacy skills for better product prices and community benefits during negotiations with business companies.
Demonstrating and Promoting Best Techniques and Practices for Reducing Health Care Waste to Avoid Environmental Releases of Dioxins and Mercury November 2008 – December 2010
This project is the initiative funded by the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) - through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO) and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH). It is a global demonstration project that is being implemented in seven countries: Argentina, India, Latvia, Lebanon, Philippines, Senegal and Vietnam. The Project has an additional component to be executed mainly in Tanzania that will develop, test and disseminate affordable non-burn health-care waste treatment technologies that can be built and serviced in Sub-Saharan African countries using locally available supplies and skills. The project specifically was developed to address the problems of significant environmental releases of contaminants of global concern as a result of the activities of health-care facilities and services (hospitals, clinics, immunization campaigns, etc.). The Tanzania component will be executed by the University of Dar es Salaam through the Technology Development and Transfer Centre (TDTC) of Collage of Engineering and Technology (CoET) in collaboration with AGENDA for Environment and Responsible Development (AGENDA), John Snow Inc (JSI) and Bagamoyo District Hospital (BDC).
Capacity Building/Support for Implementation of Activities Towards “Environmental Health and Justice for a Toxic Free Future” Second Phase 2009-2010
This is the continuation of the same project implemented in 2006-2008 with the goal to support AGENDA’s capacity to promote and sustain national, regional activities and advance its international contributions that are geared towards “environmental health and justice movement for a Toxic Free Future.” The development objective is to strengthen capacity of AGENDA and other NGOs/CSOs in Anglophone Africa, as well as in other parts of the world in the implementation of national policies, international chemical conventions and other agreements with the purpose of achieving a toxic free future, as envisaged by the Johannesburg Plan of Action and SAICM 2020 Goal. The specific objectives are: 1. to assist CSOs/NGOs in Anglophone Africa to participate in the implementation of SAICM towards toxic free future 2. To sustain Anglophone Africa Hub coordination and activities by AGENDA and 3. to provide support for the IPEN Co-Chair activities.
Transfer of Constructed Wetland Technology for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment
Constructed Wetlands (CW) are used to aerobically and anaerobically degrade a variety of pollutants from wastewater. The primary pollutants targeted by the designers of constructed wetlands are biodegradable organic matter measured as biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids and nitrogen. Other pollutants removed are phosphorous, organic compounds, pathogens, heavy metals, and acid mine drainage. Constructed Wetland Technology for wastewater treatment has been successfully introduced in some institutions such as schools, prisons and colleges as well as units of variable sizes built to treat domestic wastewater. However, the technology is not well known and used in Tanzania. The major goal of this project is to document performance of existing CW systems, disseminate, replicate and commercialize the constructed wetland technology so that it becomes a common method of treating municipal wastewater. Commercialization of this technology is anticipated to take place via dissemination, sensitization, and development of design and operations standards, development of operations and maintenance manual, standardization and formalization of CW technology, incubation of constructed wetland technology at the University of Dar es Salaam and sensitization of “dissemination” NGOs. AGENDA and Tanzania Health and Environmental Sanitation Association (THESA) will be responsible for the component of Technology Dissemination (awareness raising program, documentary, communication strategy) in this two years (2008/09-2009/10) project implemented jointly with College of Engineering and Technology (CoET) and University of Dar es Salaam Entrepreneurship Centre (UDEC) in Tanzania, with support from Sida through the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUECA) under the East Africa Regional Programme and Research Network for Biotechnology (BIO-EARN).
Lead Sampling in Paints
Lead has been confirmed neurotoxin and that it is especially harmful for children through enormous scientific works worldwide. The effect of lead is significant to children who are highly exposed through ground and having frequent hand-to-mouth contact. Given these effects, we need to see alternatives to lead being used and this can be through legislation to regulate the use of lead in paints. A mass awareness campaign coupled with advocacy based on scientific research may well be the necessary drivers for change in the lead scenario vis-a-vis paints. The objectives of the project are: i) To determine lead concentration in household paints in Tanzania; ii) Promote national advocacy campaigns aimed at phasing out lead from paints containing lead; and iii) Contribute to global efforts to phase-out lead-containing interior household paints. The first phase of the project runs from November 2008 to February 2009 and involves purchasing paint samples and sending them to Toxics Link, our IPEN partner in India for analysis as well as collecting base line information on paint markets and industry existing in Tanzania. The second phase will start in March 2009 to July 2009, main activities will be carrying out the campaign and awareness on lead effects.
African CSOs and Experts Meeting on DDT
AGENDA in collaboration with PAN Africa, PAN International and IPEN held an experts and CSOs meeting on Mbezi Garden Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 6-8 April 2009. The meeting convened different stakeholders from Government and Civil Society community so as to share experience on on malaria control programmes and alternatives to DDT. Specifically, the meeting covered issues on Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia National Malaria Program experiences, experiences with alternatives to DDT globally, international influences to National Programmes: Policies and Funding and Set an NGOs/CSOs strategies towards effective malaria control in Africa without DDT.
Training and Promotion of Best Alternative Technologies/Best Environmental Practices Applications
AGENDA conducted training sessions in four zones (Lake, Eastern, Northern and Southern Highlands) in Tanzania to 100 key chemical stakeholders and 80 Technical personnel on chemicals management who will serve as trainers at their workplaces. Two trainings were held on 25th March 2009 in Dar es Salaam and 2 April 2009 in Mwanza. 30% of the targeted trainees came from the public interest and labour organizations.
National Mercury Forum
After carrying out a scoping study on the use and extent of mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining in Tanzania, AGENDA held a National Mercury Forum on 26-27th March 2009. The forum provided opportunity to exchange experiences on different initiatives undertaken by different stakeholders to address mercury use problems in different sectors; Increase the understanding of needs, challenges and roles of different stakeholders in addressing the mercury use problems. The Forum outlined a multistakeholder plan of Action to address the mercury use problems; collaboration and networking among key stakeholders.
Identifying the status of the use of Hazardous chemicals: Import and export at national level
AGENDA conducted a mini study to identify the status of use of hazardous chemicals in Tanzania which covered import, export as well as use. The project aimed to analyze the presence and status of the use of hazardous chemicals in Tanzania. The project has contributed to the better understanding of the presence and use of hazardous chemicals in Tanzania and provided recommendations for possible future actions.
NGO Skillshare Workshop: Strategies towards Heavy Metals phase-out
The Workshop organized by AGENDA in collaboration and support from ChemSec and SSNC was held in Dar es Salaam from 11-14 November 2008 involving 35 participants from 15 countries which are Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Sweden, India, United States of America, Philippines, Indonesia and Nepal. The workshop involved CSOs, Government institutions, and other public interest group participants. The workshop aimed to make participants learn and share: Knowledge on effects of heavy metals on health and the environment, as well as solutions, substitution and preventive measures; Skill sharing and experiences from NGO-projects on heavy metals; Experiences on campaigning and advocacy for improved chemicals regulation; Experiences from heavy metals phase out and the process towards regulation; Experiences on regulation and restriction of heavy metals from an authority perspective; and Collaboration and Networking with other NGOs and stakeholders. In addition to that it aimed to further utilize the strength of participating NGOs we agreed on an NGO-declaration to push and support international action on mercury.
Alternative treatment of medical waste, a pilot project at Bagamoyo District Hospital, Tanzania October 2008 – September 2009
AGENDA in collaboration with Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), UNDP/GEF and John Snow Inc (JSI) are implementing a pilot project at the Bagamoyo District Hospital in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania that aim to demonstrate and evaluate existing off-the-shelf alternative treatment technologies at Bagamoyo District Hospital in Tanzania. It is envisaged that the experience gained in an African setting can guide countries in developing their national plans as well as inform the GEF project and facilitate the rapid and successful deployment of the technologies it develops. The pilot project includes conducting initial assessment of the waste management at the Bagamoyo Hospital and initial training and refresher training on the segregation practices; developing a recycling system in collaboration with Bagamoyo District Council (BDC) for plastic and other recyclable waste, as well as establishes a suitable landfill/dumpsite for non-recyclable waste; Procurement/Installation of equipment (an autoclave) and implementation of an enhanced health-care waste management system; and monitoring and documentation for one year with monthly reporting and evaluation of progress. The project was launched on 9th October 2008 and the project will run until October 2009 when strategies for replication in other hospitals will be developed.
DGF/AFRICAN STOCKPILES PROGRAMME (ASP
Capacity Building Activities for NGOs in Africa. ASP is a continent-wide effort which aims to eliminate the stockpiles of obsolete pesticides, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), in Africa. The key achievement of the last year has been the establishment of a vibrant, effective and democratic network of NGOs in each P1 country. These networks have proved to be a valuable forum for learning and exchange as well as communication between NGOs, and ASP Country Project management Unit (PMU). They have also been able to represent the views of a variety of stakeholders when engaging with policy-makers and the PMU. In Tanzania, for example, the NGO network was able to locate previously overlooked stocks of obsolete pesticides. Also AGENDA has delivered a range of training and printed resources in order to support NGOs to contribute to the objectives of the ASP and its sustainability. Training has covered a variety of issues including community monitoring, financial management and integrated pest management (IPM). AGENDA has also produced numerous high-quality resources including technical manuals, briefings and public awareness materials under this project.
PROJECT ON CAPACITY BUILDING/ SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES TOWARDS “ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND JUSTICE FOR A TOXIC FREE FUTURE”
o(a) Survey Regional capacity and priority issues In 2007 AGENDA conducted an assessment of NGOs working on chemical safety issues (chemicals, hazardous wastes and health related) from the following countries: Ethiopia (1), Ghana (2), Kenya (2), Malawi (1), Mauritius (2), Mozambique (1), Nigeria (4), South Africa (4), Seychelles (1), Tanzania (6), Uganda (6) and Zambia (1). The Regional NGOs priority areas identified during the assessment are pesticides issues, hazardous wastes and U-POPs including dioxins and furans. The assessment showed that NGOs in the region are in need of financial and human resources to facilitate their work towards sound chemicals management. The survey identified potential future activities in the region for NGOs contribution towards chemical safety which include capacity building, conducting studies on pollution, promotion of zero waste among others. (b) SAICM Awareness Workshop AGENDA organized a one day national workshop to raise awareness of Tanzania NGOs/CSOs network on the Africa Stockpiles Project (ASP (T) Network) on the SAICM, and its relevance to ASP. The workshop was held on 19th July 2007 in Dar es Salaam, and focused on the NGOs/CSOs roles and opportunities towards SAICM implementation. The workshop drew 22 participants representing 17 NGOs/CSOs and 3 media organizations. During the workshop, participants developed and circulated a statement on the use of DDT for indoor residual spraying for malaria control in Tanzania, calling for government to work for a more sustainable option. (c) Initiate Regional Network discussions AGENDA developed an e-mail listserve (internet and group email support) and a database of NGOs in the Anglophone Africa Region. These lists are open for NGOs working in the chemical safety areas. (d) Materials development and printing AGENDA developed awareness materials for dissemination including press conference and releases, and posters on chemical safety. The information covered DDT re-introduction for malaria control and mmemoration of Africa Malaria Day on 25th April 2007. Information materials were developed and circulated during the World Environment Day, 5th June 2007 participated in both national and local TV and Radio programmes as part of awareness raising programmes on chemical safety. This also covers a number of news coverage in newspapers while radio and TV depends on available opportunities. (e) Translation and Technical Assistance Developed and translated some awareness materials from English to Kiswahili, the national language of Tanzania (East Africa) for wide public use. Also disseminated information related to its work on chemical safety via briefings, CDs, newspaper articles, press conferences and radio and TV programmes. AGENDA built capacity and knowledge among the NGO community in Tanzania about pesticides issues through training programmes. In addition, technical assistance was sought on issues related POPs releases from production and waste management practices. The first phase of the project was finalised in October 2008.
IMPLEMENTATION OF CHEMICAL CONVENTIONS AT GRASSROOTS LEVEL
AGENDA with grant from UNOPS/UNDP is implementing a project titled: Implementation of Chemical Conventions at grassroots Level. The project focus on training and awareness raising of the grassroots societies (CBOs & CSOs) and extension staff on 3 Chemical Conventions namely: a) Stockholm convention; b) Basel convention; and c) Rotterdam conventions. These conventions were long back ratified by Tanzania. The government has put in place a National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention. Implementation of these conventions at national level and at the grassroots level in particular is slow or lacking due to lack of awareness, financial resources and technical capacity. The project aimed at raising awareness to enhance implementation of the activities in the conventions that do not require significant financial resources. The project targeted a total of 45 CBO/CSOs and Extension staff in 3 zones: Western (Tabora, Kigoma and Kagera); Southern (Iringa and Ruvuma); Northern (Kilimanjaro and Tanga). The project objectives were: 1. to build local capacity on disseminating information on chemical conventions 2. to establish community monitoring groups with the view to assisting in the control of illegal traffic of POPs pesticides 3.to pilot/promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and 4. To sensitize women on dangers of using skin lightening substances that contain transformer oils or other dangerous chemicals. The project was a success and finalised in mid-October 2008 and final report submitted to UNOPS/UNDP in Tanzania.
PROJECT: STUDY ON IMPACT OF MERCURY USE BY ARTISANAL GOLD MINERS IN TANZANIA
The project is based on carrying out a scoping study on the use and extent of mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining in Tanzania. The project focus to identify sources of mercury used by artisanal gold miners and amount imported (legally and illegally); Estimate quantities of mercury used in small scale gold mining; Identify and document alternative technologies and practices for small scale gold mining; Identify potential impacts of mercury to the artisanal miners, surrounding communities and the general environment (develop a map of hot spots); Assess the awareness level of artisanal miners and the nearby communities on the impacts of using mercury; and Establish role of Industrial and Consumer Chemicals Act in controlling and Managing Mercury importation and use (strength, weaknesses); as well as Assess cost benefit of mercury use in relation to poverty reduction efforts; and Identify impacts of small scale mining activities (including mercury impacts) on different gender groups and age groups.
SECRETARIAT TO THE AFRICA STOCKPILES PROGRAMME (T) NETWORK
The Africa Stockpiles Programme NGOs (T) Network continues to be strong and network member organizations have grown to 30. The network is an important group of stakeholders with a mission of enhancing ASP implementation in Tanzania through identification of new sites, awareness raising campaigns, facilitating access to information, training and independent monitoring of ASP related activities. Network intend to work for the long lasting solution of the threats caused by obsolete pesticides and other chemicals by activities focusing on prevention of future accumulation and protecting human health and the environment. The network comprises media/ journalists and lawyers’, labour organizations, gender with relation to health and environmental organizations. The Network was officially registered in March 2008. The Network representatives’ have been meeting formally and informally the PMU to improve relationships and communication between Networks and PMUs. Issues being discussed are Network functioning/ roles and involvement in the National Project structure, financing of NGO activities, ASP national work plan and planned activities of the network etc.
GTZ Cleaned the Obsolete Pesticides at Old Korogwe Contaminated Site
After the study done by AGENDA at the Old Korogwe DDT contaminated site and follow-up activities in 2004/2005, the GTZ helped the government of Tanzania to clean up the site where by 85 tons of DDT against previously estimated 50 tons and 25 tons of contaminated material including the floor were removed and shipped to Germany for disposal in late January 2008.


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