Agrochemical pollution risks associated with irrigation in developing countries - A Guide
Although, the use of agrochemicals is essential to increase crop productivity, there is a need to plan how undesirable impacts can be mitigated. The guide provides information on agrochemical pollution problems that may develop where irrigated agriculture is practised in developing countries. It describes the problems that have been observed in existing schemes, and discusses how the risk of irrigation schemes transferring agrochemical pollution to surface and groundwaters, can be evaluated.
The Guide
The guide describes the types of problems arising from agrochemical use and reviews the characteristics of the two main classes - nutrients and biocides. It also describes the principal mechanisms by which agrochemical pollution is transmitted and the effect of such pollution on public health and the environment. It outlines some management options for the use of agrochemicals and for controlling the pollution that may result. It also provides recommendations on monitoring agrochemical pollution in water; sets out the case for more environmentally sustainable use of agrochemicals; and discusses training needs.

The guide assists professionals in developing countries to understand the crucial issues and to identify how to access the large amount of information that is distributed across a wide number of books, papers, reports and other publications.

What it covers
Guidelines are given on permissible concentrations of agrochemicals, on how to monitor them and on recommendations for agrochemical use in Developing Countries.

Details are also given in the Guide of recent techniques to better manage agrochemical pollution. An appendix gives the use and characteristics of the main biocides in current use around the world. Attention is particularly drawn to hazardous agrochemicals.

   Contributors
HR Wallingford Ltd, UK

Intended users
The guide is for practitioners involved in various water-related activities, such as irrigation planners, water resource engineers, development planners and environmental officers. It provides guidance in assessing the probable environmental impacts of planned irrigation and drainage schemes and in evaluating the actual impacts of operational schemes. It is intended for those who develop irrigation systems and those responsible for managing the systems, particularly non-specialists who do not have access to experts but need to understand the issues related to the use of agrochemicals that they may have to deal with.

The guide is also of relevance to staff in Government and donor agencies in helping them to assess agrochemical pollution problems in developing countries and in prioritising actions to solve related environmental problems.

This guide can serve as a basis for local awareness and capacity building programmes to educate users and train regulators and other officials in the correct use of agrochemicals

Pearce, GR, 1998. Agrochemical pollution risks associated with irrigation in Developing Countries: A Guide. HR Wallingford, UK. Report no. OD 141.

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