Knowledge of pesticides and health risk associated with their use against pests of vegetable crops in the Tahoua region in Niger

Abstract

The present study consists in evaluating the peasant practices of using pesticides on vegetable crops. To do this, an interview guide is developed and administered to market gardeners. This guide made it possible to collect the necessary data on pesticides and the practices of their use by producers. Analysis of the results obtained made it possible to identify 17 pesticides used by producers represented by seven (7) chemical families, of which only 11.76% are approved by the Sahelian Pesticides Council (CSP). Insecticides and herbicides dominate with eight (8) products each and one insecticide-acaricide. The interval between treatments varies from 5 to 14 days depending on the operator. The producers observe a delay of less than 24 hours before returning to the plots after a treatment. When spraying 60 to 70% carry out the treatment without any personal protection means and 28.60% use unsuitable means of protection such as (turbans, scarves and sachets). The results of the survey show that 73, 80% of producers are unaware of the risks of using chemical inputs. Most of the producers are victims of poisoning cases, including 30% colds, 21% headaches, 5% dizziness and 2% vomiting. These results are a good indicator from a perspective of preserving producers, consumers and the environment against the harmful effects of pesticides.