Crystabel Ukwuegbu
The spread of plastic waste into agricultural lands is a rising global concern. Plastics are used in various farming practices—from fertilizers and seed coatings to moisture-retaining covers—yet they also accumulate as waste, posing environmental risks.
In Uganda, plastic bags, known locally as buveera, have long been a problem in urban areas like Kampala, where they litter streets, clog drainage systems, and mix with soil. However, their presence is now expanding into rural farmland, including the thick plastic bags used for planting coffee seedlings in nurseries.
With climate change intensifying, farmers are increasingly relying on agricultural plastics to sustain their crops. However, scientific studies reveal that microplastics, tiny plastic fragments, are disrupting ecosystems and entering human bodies, raising serious health concerns.
The Challenge of Plastic Pollution in Agriculture
According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), agricultural soils are among the largest recipients of plastic pollution. Some research even suggests that microplastic contamination in soil may surpass that of the oceans.
Nicholas Kayondo, a crop scientist and farmer near Kampala, highlights the severity of the issue. “We encounter excessive plastic waste due to the high number of factories and bottling companies producing water, juice, and energy drinks,” he explains.
While plastics play a crucial role in modern farming, their widespread use also presents challenges. Farmers who depend on plastic sheets, seed coatings, and pesticide containers struggle to manage the waste left behind. Additionally, microplastics from synthetic clothing, pharmaceuticals, and even wastewater-based fertilizers (biosolids) further contaminate agricultural lands.
Health Risks and Environmental Impact
Research confirms that microplastics are entering the food chain. These tiny plastic particles, often smaller than a pencil eraser, can be absorbed by plants and marine organisms, eventually reaching human consumers.
Sarah Zack, a specialist with the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, warns about potential health risks. Microplastics have been identified in different organs of the human body, including the lungs and brain . A major concern is that toxic chemicals may attach to these plastics, allowing them to spread through the environment and enter human systems.”
Scientists are still studying the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure, but early findings suggest links to conditions such as heart disease and certain cancers.
A Growing Dependency on Plastic in Agriculture
The agricultural sector contributes to just over three percent of global plastic consumption, whereas nearly 40% of plastics are used for packaging, including single-use containers. Yet, as climate change leads to harsher weather conditions, many farmers feel increasingly dependent on plastic-based solutions.
Farmers use plastic tarps, greenhouse covers, and chemical treatments to shield crops from extreme weather. However, these same materials degrade over time, breaking into smaller fragments that further contaminate the soil and water. Exposure to strong sunlight and heavy rainfall accelerates plastic breakdown, making it harder to control pollution.
The Struggle for Sustainable Solutions
Despite growing awareness, eliminating plastic waste remains a challenge. Many farmers, particularly those in developing regions like Uganda, lack access to sustainable alternatives. For instance, seedling tray costs are often too high, leading nursery owners to rely on cheap plastic bags for germination.
Unfortunately, those most affected by climate change—such as small-scale farmers—are often the least equipped to manage plastic waste in their soils. While efforts to improve recycling and waste management continue, tackling plastic pollution in agriculture remains a complex issue that demands urgent attention.
