Independent monitoring – a role for NGOs    

As the Africa Stockpile Program nears official ‘kick off’, the need for independent monitoring of obsolete pesticide projects is generally acknowledged. The possible role of NGOs as monitors is receiving increased attention in many participating countries. PAN UK has recently completed its task as independent monitor of the Ethiopia Obsolete Pesticide Project. Jane Worner reflects on the benefits of the experience. 

Abiye Alemu (PAN UK Ethiopian office) looking at a consignment of Japanese KR2 donated fenitrothion. Photo: PAN UK

The African Stockpiles Programme (ASP) will clear over 50,000 tonnes of obsolete pesticides over 15 years. ASP guidelines envisage a role for an independent monitor to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
    PAN UK took on this monitoring task in the Ethiopian disposal operations, and the experience provides a model for working cooperatively with all involved throughout the disposal and prevention activities. PAN UK has worked with the Ethiopian authorities and other organisations, such as local NGOs, to support the development and implementation of the obsolete pesticide project. Activities involve training, development of inventories, disposal operations and the introduction of preventative actions. 
    The monitoring activity received funding from the UK Department for International Development (DFID). Starting in June 2000, monitoring involved nine visits over a period of three years. Specifically, PAN UK was engaged to work in three areas:

• good practice in all aspects of the project: to ensure that best international practice is applied and that no compromises are made because the work is being carried out in a developing country with a high priority placed on health and environmental protection
• prevention measures in place or developed: to ensure that appropriate action is being taken and to support the development and implementation of all measures that can contribute to prevention of future accumulation of obsolete pesticides
• inclusion of stakeholders: to ensure that the project management and the partners include all relevant stakeholders in development and implementation of the project.

Fenthion, lamba-cyhalothrin ULV and malathion drums found at stores in Ethiopia. Photos: PAN UK

Transparency and independence have been central to the success of the monitoring. Ethiopian officials found the exercise helpful for the project, and facilitated access to relevant contacts and stockpile sites. The monitor could discuss issues openly with all involved in the operation. The outcome was robust and credible information from a wide range of perspectives, gathered for regular progress reports, which were helpful for all stakeholders.

Store keeper at Axum shows her pesticide inventory. Photo: PAN UK

Benefits of independent monitoring
Many benefits have arisen from having an NGO independently monitor the project in Ethiopia. Involving a monitor allowed for early identification of problems or gaps in the project and for authorities to respond as problems arose. For example, PAN UK was able to raise concerns about pesticide storage and site security was tightened. Observations that local communities had little information led to notices posted in Amharic rather than English. In this way monitoring led to a cycle of continuous improvement. 
    The independent monitor report was a good way of documenting and celebrating project successes. There were many achievements with the Ethiopian project. It involved a high standard of work with good attention to health, safety and environmental protection. Monitoring reports also constituted important project documents as they regularly recorded project activities, the rationale behind any project changes and the outcomes arising from the project.
    The inclusion of an independent monitor, and in particular an NGO, significantly fostered local NGO involvement, and increased public trust in the project. Before the commencement of the independent monitoring, NGOs were not well represented in the obsolete pesticide project. PAN UK was able to assist in the establishment of the Safe Environment Group, a local NGO which now sits on the project steering committee and plays an important part in project activities. 
    Through PAN UK’s involvement in Ethiopia, we better understood project challenges and were in a much better position to assist on important issues. For example when the project was suffering delayed payment from Croplife International (CLI) for disposal of CLI stocks, PAN UK was able to assist in lobbying for faster release of funds. Most importantly, involving an independent NGO increased public trust and understanding.
    From PAN UK’s perspective being a monitor of the Ethiopian project has been a rewarding and mutually beneficial experience. Future obsolete pesticide projects should benefit from NGO and community involvement in a similar way. 

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 62, December 2003, page 14]