The Economic Importance of Pesticides: Drivers of Residue Emergence in Food and the Need for Rapid Detection Techniques in Africa

Abstract

Pesticides are essential in modern farming for increase crop yields and ensuring food security and safety. However, their widespread use has resulted in the buildup of pesticide residues in food products, posing serious public health risks, particularly in Africa. This review explores the economic factors driving pesticide use, the causes of residue accumulation, and the urgent need for rapid detection techniques. With a focus on the African context, the paper underscores the significant implications of pesticide residues for food safety and public health, and the pressing need for effective monitoring systems. The excessive use or improper application of pesticides to satisfy the increasing food demand in Africa frequently results in pesticide residues in food. This situation poses significant public health risks through the food chain. Consequently, there is an urgent need for rapid, multi-analyte analysis methods that can detect pesticide residues, serving as effective screening tools for monitoring food safety. The development of quick, convenient, and accurate methods for the detection and quantification of pesticide residues is of utmost importance. This review emphasizes the economic significance of pesticides and the need for advanced analytical methods to quantify residual pesticide concentrations in food.