{"id":5186,"date":"2026-09-01T15:44:56","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T15:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erafoen.org\/?p=5186"},"modified":"2026-09-01T15:45:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T15:45:33","slug":"report-of-eras-engagement-at-the-regional-stakeholders-forum-on-pesticides-in-cotonou-benin-august-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erafoen.org\/?p=5186","title":{"rendered":"Report of ERA\u2019s Engagement at the Regional Stakeholders Forum on Pesticides in Cotonou, Benin \u2013 August 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

From Toxic Chemicals to Agroecological Solutions: Africa Must Act<\/h4>\n

Environmental Rights Action\/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA\/FoEN) represented by Rita Iyke Uwaka, the Administrator of the organization, joined civil society organisations and social movements from across Africa at a regional convening organised by COPAGEN during the 2026 World Social Forum in Cotonou, Benin.<\/p>\n

The meeting focused on the growing threats that hazardous pesticides and agrochemicals pose to biodiversity, agroecological systems, food sovereignty, communities, farm workers and women\u2019s rights. Participants highlighted a disturbing reality: multinational agrochemical corporations continue to profit from hazardous chemicals that contaminate soils and water, undermine forests, threaten biodiversity, weaken local food systems and expose farming communities, especially women, to serious health and environmental risks.<\/p>\n