Published in PLOS One on 2026-09-11, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Negawo Lelissa, Tewodros Mulugeta
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0357311
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
The use of agricultural inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, has increased due to agricultural expansion. In developing countries, such as Ethiopia, the agricultural sector is experiencing an expanding demand and consumption of agrochemicals to support the ever-increasing population. The increase in land dedicated to agriculture is accompanied by a rise in agrochemical demand and consumption. The increased demand for agrochemicals may lead to the distribution of low-quality, adulterated, or counterfeit products. To prevent crop loss and minimize the environmental and economic impacts of adulterated products on farmers, it is crucial to investigate their understanding of agrochemical adulteration, its prevalence, and its status. Therefore, this study aimed to assess farmers and agricultural workers, such as field agents and cooperative workers, perspectives on the incidence and impact of agrochemical adulteration in the Wolmera district, located 29 km west of Addis Ababa. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 384 participants through structured interviews. According to the findings, respondents confirmed the existence of adulterated agrochemicals in their local markets, with herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides identified as the most commonly adulterated products. The types of adulteration reported included product dilution and reduced weight. Respondents indicated significant negative impacts, including crop damage, yield reduction, and financial loss, which ultimately eroded farmers’ trust in agrochemical usage. To address these challenges, an adulteration regulation mechanism should be in place, the use of technology to identify adulterated or counterfeit products should be encouraged, and accountability for fraud in the value chain should be ensured.
Introduction
Meeting the food demand of the ever-growing world population requires an effective and efficient agricultural system that can enhance productivity and produce sufficient food [1]. To boost productivity, various agricultural inputs are utilized, including improved seeds and agrochemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers [2]. Over the past five decades, the global annual fertilizer consumption has surged to 206 million metric tons in 2024 [3]. The use of pesticides has increased productivity by one-third. Without pesticides, the production of fruits, vegetables, and cereals would fall by 78%, 54%, and 32%, respectively. In 2021 alone, the world used 3.54 million tons of pesticide active ingredients [4]. Since 2003, there has been a notable increase in the use of agrochemicals in Ethiopia [5]. The Ethiopian government imported 1.7 million tons of fertilizer in 2023, costing over $ 1 billion [6]. The percentage of crop area fertilized rose from 25% in 2003 to 60% in 2019. Similarly, the amount of fertilizer used per hectare increased from 22 kg in 2003–110 kg/hectare in 2019 [7]. Likewise, there has been a significant rise in pesticide use in Ethiopia [8]. The annual amount of pesticides imported to Ethiopia between 2016 and 2020 was close to 18,000 MT [9]. Ethiopia relies on importing agrochemicals, which places a heavy burden on end users due to price hikes and the national foreign currency reserve [10].
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Negawo Lelissa, Tewodros Mulugeta. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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