Pesticide application among farmers in the catchment of Ashaiman irrigation scheme of Ghana: health implications.

Memuna M Mattah,Precious A D Mattah,Godfred Futagbi

doi:10.1155/2015/547272

Memuna M Mattah, Precious A D Mattah + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/547272

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Abstract

Pesticide use in modern day agriculture has increased tremendously. Pesticides are used to control pests and weeds, as well as protect crops from postharvest losses; however, their effects on humans and the environment cannot be overstated. This study examined pesticide acquisition, handling, and use among 120 farmers within the catchment of a small urban irrigation scheme. Also, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among selected farmers through which further data was collected to augment that of the survey. Twelve types of pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides, were found in use in the study areas. Three main sources of information about pesticides were identified, 43.3% from extension officers, 39.2% from agrochemical dealers, and 10% from colleague farmers. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the respondents purchased the pesticides from agrochemical shops. Out of 74 farmers who were observed spraying pesticides on their farms, only 25.7% wore dresses that covered their whole body but without goggles. About sixty-seven percent (66.7%) of the farmers whose chemical got finished left the containers on their farms or threw them into the bushes around. The frequency of application was influenced by affordability and size of farm, among others. The study recommended that training of farmers on pesticide handling and use should be intensified.

Highlights

Agriculture remains the main economic stay of Ghana
The data indicate that most of the farmers had attained levels of education that should enable them to read, in spite of the fact that many of them do not read the labels and instructions on pesticides before using them. They rather depend on the recommendation from chemical dealers, extension officers, colleagues, and sometimes their own intuition on how to apply the pesticides. The reason for this is not clear but it has been shown that farmers prefer to rely on pesticide sellers, extension officers, and peer farmers rather than reading instructions on or flyers attached to the chemicals [12]
Equipping pesticide sellers with relevant and adequate information and involving them in farmer education on pesticide use will greatly complement the work of the extension workers [12]

Summary

Introduction

Agriculture remains the main economic stay of Ghana. It employs over 50% of the labour force and contributes above 20% to the GDP [1, 2]. Agricultural practices in Ghana remain rudimentary resulting in low yields and productivity [3]. As a way of curbing low yields and productivity, farmers resort to the use of pesticides. Pesticide use among farmers in Ghana has reached its peak in recent years especially for controlling weeds, pests, and preservation of harvested crops [3]. In Ghana, pesticides are applied mainly to cash crops and vegetables [4]. While many farmers lack adequate information about the hazards associated with handling and use of pesticides, several reports discussed the effects of pesticides on the environment and on the health of farmers [5,6,7,8]

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