By Tunde Oso

Weak environmental regulation and heavy dependence on chemical-intensive farming are accelerating Africa’s exposure to toxic substances.

Nigerian biochemist and toxicologist Dr. Ige Joseph Komolafe warned further about this increasing risk of food systems contamination and long-term health issues.

Komolafe in a recent research work finds natural compounds as safer alternatives, having examined how plant-based compounds interact with toxic substances at the genetic level.

In the peer-reviewed study published in the Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, Komolafe and his co-authors investigated the genotoxic effects of polysaccharides extracted from fermented and unfermented seeds of Annona squamosa, commonly known as sugar apple.

According to him, Africa is facing a quiet but dangerous build-up of chemical exposure driven by poorly monitored pesticide use, industrial pollutants and weak enforcement of safety standards.

“Across much of Africa, chemical-dependent farming is expanding faster than regulation.This leaves populations exposed to substances capable of damaging DNA, ecosystems and human health over time, “he said.

He explained that the study was inspired by global concern over environmental pollution and food contamination.

Scientists in the United States have raised alarms about pesticide residues in food and synthetic chemicals’ long-term impact on soil and water systems.

Experts say rapid industrialisation in Europe and the Middle East is increasing exposure to heavy metals and toxins, while in Africa, limited regulatory capacity and widespread reliance on agrochemicals to boost food production compound risks.

The study discovered that natural compounds can either reduce or increase genetic toxicity depending on how they are processed, underscoring the need for rigorous scientific validation of both synthetic and natural substances used in food and medicine.

“Genotoxicity is central to understanding pollution-related cancers and inherited disorders. If we can identify natural compounds that counteract or neutralise toxic effects, we reduce our dependence on synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment,”he assured.

He noted that the findings are particularly relevant for Africa, where traditional plant use intersects with modern agriculture and medicine, often without sufficient scientific oversight. “Natural does not automatically mean safe. But with proper research, regulation and processing, plant-based compounds can become part of the solution rather than another risk.”

The biochemist again called for stronger regulation and investment in safer alternatives, noting that policy has not kept pace with the scale of chemical exposure.

“There is need for improved monitoring of agrochemical use and greater support for research into natural compounds that can mitigate toxic damage. Africa does not have to choose between feeding its people and protecting their health. Science shows that sustainable options exist, but they must be taken seriously”, he advised.