Mid-term evaluation of “Disposal of obsolete pesticides including persistent organic pollutants, promotion of alternatives and strengthening pesticides management in the Caribbean”

Declines in the sugarcane and banana industries of the Caribbean have resulted in an accumulation of disused pesticides. The adverse effect of agrochemicals, particularly pesticides, on human health and the environment is a global concern. The project ''Disposal of obsolete pesticides including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), promotion of alternatives and strengthening pesticides management in the Caribbean'' was implemented by FAO to promote the sound management of pesticides throughout their life-cycle in the Caribbean region, and reduce the risks they pose. The mid-term evaluation for this project, covering project design and implementation from November 2015 to April 2019, found that the most visible project achievement was the environmentally sound disposal of 319 tonnes of obsolete pesticides stocks, including POPs, from the 11 project beneficiary countries. Nonetheless, delays have been observed in all other activities, putting the project’s objectives at risk.