Abstract
BackgroundUnrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors. Unfortunately, strategies for managing insecticide resistance in agriculture and public health sectors lack integration. This study explored the types and usage of agricultural pesticides, and awareness and management practices among retailers and farmers in Ulanga and Kilombero districts in south-eastern Tanzania, where Anopheles mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids.MethodsAn exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. First, a survey to characterize pesticide stocks was conducted in agricultural and veterinary (agrovet) retail stores. Interviews to assess general knowledge and practices regarding agricultural pesticides were performed with 17 retailers and 30 farmers, followed by a survey involving 427 farmers. Concurrently, field observations were done to validate the results.ResultsLambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin (both pyrethroids) and imidacloprids (neonicotinoids) were the most common agricultural insecticides sold to farmers. The herbicide glyphosate (amino-phosphonates) (59.0%), and the fungicides dithiocarbamate and acylalanine (54.5%), and organochlorine (27.3%) were also readily available in the agrovet shops and widely used by farmers. Although both retailers and farmers had at least primary-level education and recognized pesticides by their trade names, they lacked knowledge on pest control or proper usage of these pesticides. Most of the farmers (54.4%, n = 316) relied on instructions from pesticides dealers. Overall, 93.7% (400) farmers practised pesticides mixing in their farms, often in close proximity to water sources. One-third of the farmers disposed of their pesticide leftovers (30.0%, n = 128) and most farmers discarded empty pesticide containers into rivers or nearby bushes (55.7%, n = 238).ConclusionSimilarities of active ingredients used in agriculture and malaria vector control, poor pesticide management practices and low-levels of awareness among farmers and pesticides retailers might enhance the selection of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This study emphasizes the need for improving awareness among retailers and farmers on proper usage and management of pesticides. The study also highlights the need for an integrated approach, including coordinated education on pesticide use, to improve the overall management of insecticide resistance in both agricultural and public health sectors.
Highlights
Unrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors
Agricultural pesticides exert strong selection pressures, contributing to resistance in vector species [7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14]. This is because of similarities in chemicals used, applications of these chemicals simultaneously, and their indiscriminate use in agriculture [15]. This phenomenon was observed in West Africa where Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) populations sampled from farmlands characterized by high agriculture pesticide usage showed higher levels of resistance to insecticides compared to populations sampled in areas with limited or no agricultural pesticide usage [11,12,13, 16]
Chouaïbou et al found that over 90% of the insecticides used by vegetable and rice farmers in the southern part of Côte d’Ivoire were pyrethroids similar to those approved for vector control [21]
Summary
Unrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors. The control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases relies primarily on insecticide-based interventions, such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) [1, 2] The effectiveness of these interventions is being compromised by the increased geographical spread of insecticide in the targeted mosquito populations [3, 4]. Agricultural pesticides exert strong selection pressures, contributing to resistance in vector species [7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14] This is because of similarities in chemicals used, applications of these chemicals simultaneously, and their indiscriminate use in agriculture [15]. Int J Innov Res Sci Eng Technol. 2017;4:100–22
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
