In Uganda’s Mbale district, known for its rich arabica coffee, a troubling issue is spreading: plastic waste, or "buveera," is moving out of cities and into farmlands. These plastic bags have long plagued Kampala, littering streets and blocking waterways. Farmers in Uganda are becoming increasingly aware of how this pollution affects their soil and crops.
Wilson Watira, a cultural leader in the coffee-growing Bamasaba community, expressed concerns from farmers who understand the negative impacts of buveera. “They worry about the long-term effects on the land,” he said.
Globally, agricultural practices rely heavily on plastics, especially as climate change drives their use. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reports that agricultural plastics directly affect soil health. A study revealed that soil pollution from microplastics is worse than that found in the oceans.
Sarah Zack, a specialist on microplastics, emphasized the urgent need for engineering solutions to manage this escalating issue. "The sheer scale of plastic release is staggering," she noted. Microplastics originate from various sources, including clothing and personal care products, and can enter the food chain. Some studies suggest they may have links to health issues like heart disease and certain cancers.
Recent statistics from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration define microplastics as particles smaller than five millimeters, with some being even tinier. Studies show they can be absorbed by plants and subsequently consumed by animals and humans, raising alarms about their presence in human organs.
The agriculture sector, despite being responsible for just over 3% of global plastic use, is increasingly relying on plastics to combat extreme weather and support crop production. Ole Rosgaard, CEO of Greif — a company that produces packaging for agricultural chemicals — noted that rising temperatures and unpredictable weather have made farmers more dependent on plastic products.
Climate change has also intensified the breakdown of agricultural plastics. Heavy rain and strong sunlight can cause plastic materials to fragment more rapidly, leading to increased pollution in soil and waterways. Maryam Salehi, a professor at the University of Missouri, highlighted how these weather patterns exacerbate the issue.
In response to this growing crisis, global leaders aimed to develop a treaty on plastic pollution, but negotiations are ongoing without a confirmed agreement. The FAO has created a provisional code of conduct for sustainable plastic management in agriculture, but many countries lack strong incentives to adopt it. As environmental advocate Lev Neretin pointed out, the collective mood is far from optimistic.
Without cohesive political action, responsibility often falls on businesses and farmers. Some companies are developing recyclable products and encouraging farmers to return used plastics. However, it’s challenging to prevent improper disposal practices, such as burning waste or allowing it to pollute fields.
Innovative solutions are emerging. Boluwatife Olubusoye, a PhD student at the University of Mississippi, is exploring whether biochar can filter microplastics from farm runoff. Early results are promising, but he underscores the lack of effective solutions for reducing plastic waste, particularly in developing nations.
Farmers like Jacob Ogola in Uganda face harsh realities. They often cannot afford proper seedling trays, leading them to use cheap plastic bags. Innocent Piloya, who runs a coffee business in rural Uganda, expressed frustration over the situation. “It feels like small farmers are battling against plastic manufacturers,” she said.
As the battle against plastic pollution in agriculture intensifies, the need for global collaboration and innovation grows more urgent. Addressing this challenge will require not only stronger regulations but also community support and sustainable practices that prioritize both farming and environmental health.
For more about plastic pollution’s impacts on agriculture, see the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report.
Check out this related article: Empowering Youth: How Young Leaders Can Ignite Real Change in the Battle Against Climate Change
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