In Uganda's Mable district, which is known for its high-quality Arabica coffee, there is a new problem that is taking a shape. It is plastic waste. In colloquial terms, it is referred to as buveera. These plastic bags have long been a familiar sight in Kampala. It has clogged waterways and has even accumulated in layers beneath roads. However, these bags are now reaching remote farmlands, and also affecting agricultural land and coffee production. Farmers are having a hard time due to the over presence of thick plastic bags which are used in coffee nurseries. Wilson Watira, who is the head of a cultural board for the coffee-growing Bamasaba people, noted that some farmers have also voiced their concerns over the long-term damage these plastics can do to soil. How Does Plastic End Up In Agricultural Fields?The issue of plastic waste in agriculture is not just limited to Uganda, but around the world. Climate change too have made agricultural plastics like mulch films, plastic coated seeds, and pesticide containers more common. . However, research shows that plastics, especially microplastics, are affecting ecosystems and human health.A 2021 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlighted that soils are one of the largest recipients of plastic waste. Some studies suggest that agricultural soils contain more microplastics than the ocean. These tiny particles, defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as smaller than five millimeters, can enter food chains when absorbed by plants or consumed by animals and humans.READ MORE ON MICROPLASTICS HEREScientists Are Worried About Microplastics In SoilMicroplastics are so tiny that they can easily infiltrate agricultural land. They could make their way to fertilizer. The wastewater treatment produces biosolids that can contain microplastic particles that later enter farmland as fertilizer. It can also come from seed coatings as some seeds are encased in polymer films which are designed to dissolve after specific times. Then, it can also come from pesticide containers and mulch films, which can degrade over time and shed particles into the soil. What Are The Health Concerns?While the agriculture industry accounts for only about 3% of global plastic use, the impact of plastic waste on soil and food production is significant. Scientists are investigating how microplastics affect human health, with early findings suggesting potential links to conditions such as heart disease and cancer. However, many knowledge gaps remain, requiring further research.Climate Change is Worsening the Plastic CrisisThe global use of plastic has quadrupled over the past 30 years, yet only 10% of plastics are recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, polluting natural environments, or being burned.At the same time, climate change has increased farmers' dependence on plastic-based solutions. Tarps, greenhouse covers, and synthetic fertilizers help stabilize crops against extreme weather, but they also contribute to plastic pollution.According to experts, extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and high temperatures, accelerate the breakdown of agricultural plastics. This leads to the spread of plastic particles into surrounding soil and water systems, further contaminating ecosystems.The Challenge of Reducing Agricultural PlasticsIn an attempt to curb plastic pollution, global leaders recently met in South Korea to negotiate the first legally binding treaty on plastic waste. However, no agreement was reached, and discussions will resume in August. Meanwhile, the FAO has introduced a voluntary code of conduct for managing agricultural plastics, though it lacks legal enforcement.Many companies are working on solutions, such as creating recyclable or biodegradable plastic products. For instance, packaging manufacturer Greif has designed reusable agricultural containers, offering farmers incentives to return them instead of discarding them. However, tracking plastic waste remains a challenge.Searching for AlternativesInnovators are exploring ways to filter out microplastics before they spread further. For example, researcher Boluwatife Olubusoye from the University of Mississippi is studying the potential of biochar, a material made from burnt organic waste, to capture microplastics from farm runoff.In Uganda, small-scale farmers face an uphill battle against plastic waste. Many lack access to sustainable alternatives, such as durable seedling trays, forcing them to rely on cheap plastic bags for germination. Innocent Piloya, a coffee farmer and agroecology entrepreneur, describes the struggle as “little farmers fighting plastic manufacturers.”
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