| dc.description.abstract | Most developing country farmers producing for international markets rely on pesticides for
agricultural production (Thrupp et al, 1995, Maumbe and Swinton, 2003). The warmth and
humidity of tropical climates exacerbates the pest and disease problems (Okello, 2005). Due
to standards for cosmetic quality in export markets for fresh fruits and vegetables, the use of
pesticides has been especially pronounced in production of these products in the tropics.
Production and export of fresh produce from developing countires have witnessed major
growth in many developing countries seeking to diversify their production from staples to
high value commodities. Growth has especially been greatest in the fresh fruits and
vegetables (FFV) and in the flower subsectors. In Africa, for instance, exports of FFV
experienced a spurt in growth in the 1980s and 1990s as markets for major traditional
exports (e.g., coffee, tea and cocoa) experienced a downturn. Most of these non-traditional
exports were destined to Europe (with UK, Holland, Germany, and Italy being the leading
importers) (Okello et al, 2008). Figure 1 presents the trends in exports of green beans, a
major non-traditional export, by three of the leading exporters of fresh vegetables from
Africa. It shows an increase in exports of green beans between 2000 and 2006 in all these
countries. | en |
