Food Safety in Peri-Urban Agriculture in Pakistan

Food safety remains a critical public health challenge globally, particularly in developing countries where infrastructural deficiencies, weak regulatory oversight, and growing urban demands intersect with limited water availability. In Pakistan, rapid urbanization and agricultural intensification have increased reliance on untreated wastewater for crop irrigation, especially in water-scarce peri-urban areas like Faisalabad. This study investigates the food safety risks associated with wastewater irrigation using a mixed-methods approach involving survey data from 100 randomly selected households and statistical analysis through binary logistic regression.

The results reveal widespread concerns about bacterial and viral pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella as well as agrochemical contaminants including heavy metals like lead and cadmium and residual pesticides. These contaminants enter the food chain through raw or insufficiently washed vegetables, posing both acute and long-term health risks. Findings indicate that socioeconomic status, education level, and access to information significantly shape household perceptions of food safety. More educated and better-informed households are more likely to identify and avoid contaminated produce.

At the national level, the problem is alarming. Nearly 40% of vegetables in urban Pakistani markets test positive for fecal coliforms, and Faisalabad's dependency on wastewater irrigation, affecting 60% of its peri-urban farms, underscores the urgent need for policy action. Globally, an estimated 10% of the population suffers from foodborne illnesses annually, with South Asia experiencing a disproportionately high burden (WHO, 2023).

To mitigate these risks, the study recommends a multi-pronged policy response: rigorous water quality monitoring, construction of localized wastewater treatment plants, and improvement of irrigation canal infrastructure. Additionally, farmer training programs and public awareness campaigns on food hygiene and safe agricultural practices are essential. Without these interventions, the cycle of contamination and health vulnerability will persist, undermining both public health and sustainable food systems in Pakistan.

Health and Economic Consequences of Contaminated Agriculture in Pakistan

The excessive use of pesticides and the widespread reliance on untreated wastewater for crop irrigation in Pakistan have led to severe health and economic repercussions. Agricultural practices in peri-urban and rural areas, particularly those involving wastewater irrigation, have significantly compromised food safety and public health. According to the FAO (2023), pesticide overuse in Pakistan has resulted in residue levels up to three times above internationally accepted safety limits in commonly consumed crops. These residues, when ingested over time, contribute to a range of chronic health conditions, including hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues.

Moreover, heavy metal contamination such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury commonly found in industrial wastewater used for irrigation, has emerged as a silent but deadly threat. Prolonged exposure to such contaminants through food intake can lead to life-threatening conditions like kidney failure, liver damage, cancers, and developmental disorders in children (Journal of Environmental Science, 2023). Vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly, face the highest risks due to weaker immune systems and nutritional vulnerabilities.

The economic burden of these health impacts is equally alarming. In Punjab alone, annual healthcare costs attributed to foodborne diseases have surpassed PKR 12 billion, placing immense strain on an already overburdened public health system (Ministry of National Health Services, 2023). These costs encompass not only direct medical expenses but also lost productivity, absenteeism, and reduced earning capacity among affected individuals. Addressing these issues through improved regulation, farmer education, and investment in safe water infrastructure is vital for safeguarding both human health and economic stability.

Understanding Food Safety Risks and Perceptions in Peri-Urban Faisalabad

The findings from a household-level survey in peri-urban Faisalabad highlight critical insights into food safety perceptions, contamination exposure, and the socio-economic dynamics shaping consumer behavior. Women comprised 78% of respondents, reflecting their central role in food purchasing and preparation. Most participants were between 25 and 34 years old, with varying education levels while 33% held bachelor’s degrees, 7% were illiterate. The average household income stood at PKR 97,380 per month, pointing to a modest lower-middle-income demographic.

Despite economic pressures, a striking 90% of households were aware of contamination risks in food. Yet, affordability emerged as a dominant factor driving consumer choices. About 70% of respondents sourced their fruits and vegetables from open-air markets, which are cheaper but more likely to sell produce irrigated with untreated wastewater. Weekly household expenditure on fresh produce averaged PKR 4,492 for 10 kg, underlining cost sensitivity in food purchasing decisions.

Food safety concerns were widespread, with respondents identifying bacterial and viral contamination (72%), chemical toxins (65%), and pesticide residues (58%) as major hazards. Alarmingly, 65% of households reported at least one case of foodborne illness, commonly resulting in symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. The average treatment cost per illness episode was PKR 5,289, an avoidable burden for many families already managing tight budgets.

Regression analysis revealed that perceptions of chemical contamination were significantly influenced by age, education, and access to information. Women and higher-income households were more likely to identify pesticide residues as a concern, while bacterial risk perceptions were closely tied to education levels and market source, particularly the risks posed by open-air vendors.

Ultimately, the findings emphasize that food safety awareness alone does not lead to behavior change when affordable, clean alternatives are lacking. The absence of accessible treated water for irrigation, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and the unavailability of low-cost food testing facilities exacerbate exposure to contaminated food. Strengthening infrastructure, policy enforcement, and consumer protection systems is essential to bridge the gap between awareness and safe consumption practices in Pakistan’s urban and peri-urban areas.

Policy Recommendations for Enhancing Food Safety in Peri-Urban Agriculture

Addressing the food safety crisis in peri-urban regions like Faisalabad requires a multi-pronged policy approach that tackles infrastructural deficits, regulatory gaps, awareness limitations, and economic disincentives. Infrastructure development must be prioritized, particularly the expansion of wastewater treatment facilities. Currently, only about 5% of Punjab’s wastewater is treated before reuse, leaving a vast majority of agricultural water sources contaminated. Additionally, investing in canal networks and clean water delivery systems can reduce farmers’ reliance on untreated effluents and improve irrigation quality.

Regulatory frameworks also need urgent strengthening. Mandatory water quality testing should be enforced for all irrigation sources, especially those in high-risk zones near industrial areas. Moreover, tighter controls on pesticide use are essential. The banning of WHO Class I pesticides, which are highly hazardous, must be accompanied by strict enforcement and penalties to deter misuse.

Awareness and education play a pivotal role in behavioral change. Farmers need targeted training on safe irrigation practices, such as appropriate intervals between wastewater application and harvesting. Consumers, too, should be engaged through mobile platforms like Pakistan’s Kisan Portal, which can disseminate hygiene tips and contamination alerts.

Finally, economic incentives are critical for encouraging safer practices. Subsidies should be provided for farmers transitioning to organic agriculture or adopting bio-pesticides. Low-interest loans can help smallholders invest in safer irrigation technologies, such as drip systems and lined water storage tanks. Together, these policy measures can significantly reduce foodborne health risks and contribute to a safer, more sustainable agricultural system in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Food safety in peri-urban agriculture is an escalating concern in Pakistan, particularly in water-stressed cities like Faisalabad, where untreated wastewater is widely used for irrigation. This study underscores the alarming extent of microbial, chemical, and pesticide contamination entering the food chain, posing serious health risks including gastrointestinal illnesses, chronic diseases, and long-term developmental issues. With over 65% of households surveyed reporting foodborne illnesses and average treatment costs imposing a considerable financial burden, the need for urgent intervention is clear.

Despite high public awareness, most households continue to rely on unsafe food sources due to economic constraints and the lack of viable alternatives. Contamination risks are further compounded by limited access to treated water, weak enforcement of environmental regulations, and the absence of affordable food quality testing at the local level. The findings reveal that while education and income levels shape risk perceptions, they are insufficient in driving behavioral change without broader structural support.

To address these challenges, a comprehensive policy response is needed. This includes investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure, stricter regulatory enforcement, targeted farmer training, and economic incentives to promote safer agricultural practices. Without these coordinated efforts, the cycle of contamination will persist, undermining public health, burdening healthcare systems, and threatening food security across urban and peri-urban Pakistan.

References: WHO; PCRWR; FAO; Punjab Irrigation Dept; Journal of Environmental Science; Ministry of National Health Services

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

The writers are affiliated with the Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. For correspondence, please contact raza.khalil@uaf.edu.pk

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