In the lush region of Mbale in Uganda, renowned for its arabica coffee production, the spread of plastic bags, locally termed as buveera, poses an increasing problem. Previously isolated to the capital, Kampala, these bags now extend into rural coffee farms, with their presence becoming a concern even for remote farmland communities. Farmers have expressed worries about the accumulation of buveera on agricultural land, highlighting the growing impacts on the environment.
The infiltration of plastics into agricultural lands is not uncommon globally. While plastics play a crucial role in modern farming, especially as climate change intensifies, they pose significant challenges. This includes microplastics—tiny plastic particles—that are not only affecting ecosystems but may also affect human health. Despite efforts to reuse and recycle, industry experts acknowledge the difficulty in totally eradicating plastic waste from farming practices.
A report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2021 identified soils as major recipients of agricultural plastics, with some studies suggesting that land may suffer more from microplastic pollution than oceans. Sarah Zack, a specialist in microplastics, emphasizes the need for significant engineering solutions to tackle this escalating problem.
Microplastics, originating from various sources including clothes, fertilizers, and other products, find their way into agriculture. This occurs through products like biosolids, which are sometimes used as fertilizer, or through plastic polymers designed to degrade at specific times. Yet, agriculture accounts for just over 3% of global plastic usage, with 40% being attributed to packaging.
Studies have demonstrated that plants can absorb microplastics, which are later consumed by animals and humans. Scientists are continuing to investigate the potential health impacts, which might include heart disease and cancers. Though the land-based food chain’s threats are still being studied, preliminary results underscore the need for more attention to the environmental impact.
The worldwide use of plastic has surged over the past three decades, with a significant portion ending up in landfills, polluting the environment, or being incinerated. Farmers find themselves increasingly dependent on plastic materials to mitigate the effects of extreme weather induced by climate change, using it to shelter crops and control farming conditions.
Climate change exacerbates the spread and breakdown of agricultural plastics. Adverse weather patterns, such as intense rainfall and heat, further disperse plastic particles across farmlands and into water systems. Engineering solutions, such as those explored by researchers like Maryam Salehi, are seen as crucial in addressing these issues.
Global leaders met in South Korea to negotiate a binding treaty on plastic pollution. Though a consensus has yet to be reached, discussions are set to continue. Without a formal agreement, voluntary measures offered by organizations such as FAO might not be enough, as noted by Lev Neretin. The challenge also lies with companies, which play a critical role in making their products recyclable and in educating farmers on responsible disposal practices.
Efforts across the globe aim to curb microplastic pollution. Researchers like Boluwatife Olubusoye are experimenting with methods such as the use of biochar to capture and reduce microplastic runoff from fields. These efforts aim to offset the continued introduction of plastics, notably in developing countries that struggle with management and mitigation strategies.
In Uganda, financial constraints lead farmers to rely on cheap plastic bags for seedling germination, exacerbating soil pollution. For environmentally conscious farmers, the fight against plastic waste feels daunting, especially in developing regions where resources are scarce. This has led agroecology entrepreneurs in the country, like Innocent Piloya, to dream of a solution that might offer small farmers a fighting chance against the pervasive reach of plastic.