Weed management remains one of the most critical yet overlooked challenges facing agriculture across Africa, with farmers spending up to 70% of their time manually removing weeds—a burden that disproportionately affects women.

As the continent works to strengthen food security and sustainability, experts are calling for improved weed control strategies to enhance productivity and reduce labour intensity.

Weeds Undermining Food Production

Weeds compete directly with crops for nutrients, sunlight, and water, significantly reducing yields if not properly managed. According to research conducted by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy in collaboration with the Tegemeo Institute for Agricultural Policy and Development, effective weed management is essential for successful conservation agriculture.

The study highlights that Africa’s traditional reliance on expanding farmland—rather than improving yields—is no longer sustainable, particularly as the population is expected to double by 2050.

Herbicides Improve Efficiency and Reduce Costs

The research, focused on Kenya, found that herbicide use significantly lowers production costs by reducing labour requirements.

Tasks that would take several workers days to complete manually can be accomplished in a fraction of the time using herbicides. This efficiency gain is particularly important for staple crops such as maize, wheat, and rice.

Glyphosate’s Role in Modern Farming

A key finding of the study is the importance of glyphosate, a widely used active ingredient in herbicides. It accounts for a significant share of herbicide use and plays a crucial role in staple crop production.

Farmers indicated that producing crops like wheat without glyphosate would be extremely difficult, with some suggesting they might abandon production altogether if access were limited.

In addition, glyphosate supports conservation agriculture practices such as reduced tillage, which help preserve soil moisture and improve long-term sustainability.

Knowledge Gaps Remain a Challenge

Despite its benefits, experts emphasize that the main challenge is not access to herbicides, but proper usage and training.

In many cases, farmers rely on input suppliers for advice, highlighting a shortage of independent, science-based extension services. Addressing this gap will be critical to ensuring safe and effective application.

Balancing Productivity and Safety

Experts stress that when used correctly, herbicides like glyphosate can be both effective and safe. Scientific assessments indicate that risks to humans, animals, and the environment remain minimal when products are applied according to recommended guidelines.

However, misuse or lack of knowledge can lead to unintended consequences, reinforcing the need for better farmer education and regulatory oversight.

Outlook

As Africa seeks to modernize its agricultural systems, effective weed control will play a central role in boosting yields, reducing labour burdens, and improving sustainability.

By combining improved access to inputs with stronger training and advisory support, the continent can move toward more efficient, resilient, and productive farming systems.