Studies on Adverse Effects of Agrochemicals on the Environment in Tanzania: A computer-Aided Inforamtion Support Sytem
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Date
1995-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study is an attempt to strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of the information
systems on the protection of the environment against its pollution and degradation due to
misuse and abuse of agrochemicals. Its objective is to facilitate the access to timely and correct
information for use by deci sion makers, scientists and researchers, agricultural extension
workers as well as by the farmers and others interested in the adverse effects of agrochemicals
to the environment.
The study considers the existing information infrastructures within the Tanzanian socioeconomic
setup, with a view of exploring how the people could have a better access to
information on adverse effects of agrochemicals. The inherent weaknesses in the existing
agrochemical information infrastructures have been indicated. In order to overcome the
apparent weaknesses, it is proposed to establish a computer-based Information Support System
on the Effects of Agrochemicals on the Environment in Tanzania (ISSEAED within the
National Environment Management Council (NEMC). The objectives, functions and structure
of ISSEAET are elaborated.
The justification for the study is the need to improve on the collection, analysis and
dissemination of information on the adverse effects of agrochemicals since the latter are
playing a significant role in agriculture. Agrochemicals are credited for increasing farm yields,
but they are also associated with numerous hazards to the health of the people and of the
environment.
The methodology adopted in the study includes, the use of sets of questionaire for the
collection of data which have been used in the designing of different databases. Questionaires
have also been used in ascertaining the infonnation needs of the potential users of ISSEAET.
Documentary so urces, as well as interviews and on-site visits, also have been used for the
collection of data.
The information system being proposed recognizes, however, the need for flexibility in
order to accommodate the changes in Information Technology and in the country's political
and sociology-economic orientation.
MATISSE is important in the country's desire to establish a computerized National
Petrochemical Information Network System. Access to relevant information on how to use
petrochemicals while, at the same time, keeping the environment clean is a challenge which
MATISSE intends to meet by the provision of its information products and services.
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Keywords
Adverse Effects of Agrochemicals on the Environment