5.4.2 Agriculture Intensification The principal environmental risks associated with intensification of agriculture concern the safe handling and application of pesticides and the appropriate application of fertilizers to avoid excessive runoff and contamination of soils and of surface and ground waters. The Plant Protection Service (MAWPI) guidelines should be followed regarding the selection, use, storage and application of pesticides. Appropriate training of agricultural workers and monitoring of pesticide residues and runoff should be incorporated in sub-project design and independently monitored during project implementation. With sub-projects involving fertilizer or pesticide applications, monitoring of groundwater and downstream water quality (as appropriate) should be included in project implementation.
5.4.3 Mining and Energy Small scale mining of coal, sand and gravel, gemstones and clay for pottery and brick-making should include appropriate safeguards to avoid increasing soil erosion and contamination of water supplies. A monitoring plan should be included in project design and provisions for appropriate mitigation and rehabilitation of mine sites and storage areas should be incorporated into sub-project financed activities. Financing of facilities for biogas production should include provisions for appropriate storage of manure and crop wastes and disposal of residues to prevent contamination of water bodies and soils. An appropriate monitoring regime should be included in project design.
For all three of the above sub-project types financing of individual projects is expected to be modest and the cost of mitigation to overcome negative impacts will represent low additional costs that would be incorporated into the sub-project.
In Table 2 the types and potential significance of impacts of the fourteen sub-project groups are summarized. In Table 3 the types of environmental impacts and recommended mitigation measures for a range of potential sub-projects are identified.
Table 2. Types of sub-projects and potential major environmental impacts.
Sub-project Group
Types of Potential Major Impacts
Level of Significance
Agricultural Diversification or High Value Specialization (e.g. flower, fruit, seed, fish, livestock production)
Biological diversity loss, chemical pollution of soil and water, erosion and land degradation (from overgrazing), waste accumulation
Moderate to high
Agro-processing ( e.g. dairy, poultry, wool, mushrooms, honey, juice, vegetable and fruit canning )
Waste accumulation, water pollution, noise and health
Moderate
Handicrafts (e.g. felt, carving, weaving)
None
Negligible
Tradesman Workshops (e.g. blacksmith, carpentry, plumbing and electrical)
Waste accumulation
Low
Forestry (woodlots)
None
Negligible
Mining and Energy (artisanal coal and gemstone mining, clay for brick making, sand and gravel, microhydro and biogas)
Waste accumulation, soil and water pollution, erosion, land degradation, dust and human health
Moderate to High
Renovation of public buildings, rural roads and market infrastructure
Social disruption, noise and nuisance
Low
Small-scale irrigation and rural water supply
Soil erosion, water pollution from runoff
Low to Moderate
Support services (e.g. veterinary, medical, dental, crop protection)
Pesticide or chemical contamination, waste accumulation
Increased use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers
Possible contamination of soils and water supplies and impact on human health
Selection of approved chemicals, proper storage and handling, application of optimum quantities and frequency, adoption of integrated pest management approach
Coordination with extension services of MAWPI is needed to ensure training and dissemination of good practice information
Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: LOW - MODERATE
Potential for adverse environmental impact: MODERATE
3.2 Agricultural Diversification: Fertilizer and Pesticide Application
Overall Potential Impact: Moderate to High
Potential Direct Impacts
Potential Indirect Impacts
Consequences
Mitigation Required
Remarks
Positive impact: increased yields, improved food security and economic well-being for small farmers
Reduction in soil organic content
Modified soil structure and reduction in moisture retention capacity
Eutrophication of water bodies
Damage to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
Possible contamination of soils and water supplies, biodiversity loss
Selection of approved chemicals, proper storage and handling, application of optimum quantities and frequency, adoption of integrated pest management approach
Coordination with extension services of MAWPI is needed to ensure training and dissemination of good practice information. Public education is important and could be done through government agencies or NGOs. Extension services should work with farmers to develop land and crop management plans.
Health impacts on workers and consumers
health impacts on downstream water consumers
Increased health care costs and reduced worker productivity
Training in handling and storage methods, use of proper equipment, selection of approved chemicals, monitoring of frequency and quantity of applications
Independent monitoring of application quantities, residues in crops and soil and water contamination is required
Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: MODERATE
Potential for adverse environmental impact: MODERATE
3.3 Agricultural Diversification: Livestock Production
Waste management plan should be incorporated in project design
Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: NONE
Potential for adverse environmental impact: MODERATE
3. 4 Agro-processing
Overall Potential Impact: MODERATE
Potential Direct Impacts
Potential Indirect Impacts
Consequences
Mitigation Required
Remarks
Waste accumulation, runoff, water pollution
Human health risk from waste accumulation, contamination of water supplies
Use appropriate methods for storage of raw materials, products, wastes and approved waste treatment or disposal methods. Waste discharge to remain within permitted limits.
Processing operations must conform to regulations and guidelines of the Ministry of Health, MAWPI and SAEPF, all of which are responsible for regular inspection and monitoring
Precise limits on discharge from processing and ongoing independent monitoring of discharge and of ground and surface water quality
Waste management plans should be part of project design. Waste removal and storage and discharge levels should be independently monitored for ( at least) the life of the project.
Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: MODERATE
Potential for adverse environmental impact: MODERATE to HIGH
3. 9 Renovation of existing infrastructure (buildings, roads)
Overall Potential Impact: LOW
Potential Direct Impacts
Potential Indirect Impacts
Consequences
Mitigation Required
Remarks
Site disruption (temporary)
Increased erosion, runoff and sedimentation of water bodies
Adopt effective containment practices.
Although "temporary" effects of site disruption can have long lasting effects.
Exposure of workers to toxic materials during renovation
Increased health care costs and lost productivity
Survey for presence of hazardous materials (e.g. lead, asbestos) and require workers to use appropriate protective technologies, equipment and clothing.
Good practices for occupational health and safety that are in compliance with existing regulations and standards should be followed. Independent monitoring or inspection by MoH should be done.
