Farmer perceptions and pesticide use practices in vegetable production in Ghana

Abstract

As an initial part of a programme aimed at promoting safe and sound agricultural practices in Ghana, a study was made of farmers' perceptions of pesticides for use and application in vegetable production, using a small survey of 137 farmers who applied pesticides. Field surveys, interviews, questionnaires and analytical games were used to obtain information on the type, scope and extent of use of pesticides, farmers' knowledge of pesticides, and their perceptions about the chemicals' potential for harm. Data from this sample of farmers were used to describe the status of use of pesticides in vegetable cultivation in Ghana. Using chi2 tests, associations between farmers' age and possible pesticide poisoning symptoms, their farm size and method of spraying pesticides, and their perception of pesticide hazard and its perceived effectiveness against pests were also examined. The survey showed that knapsack sprayers were the most widely used type of equipment for spraying pesticides. However, on large-scale vegetable farms of 6-10 acres, motorised sprayers were also used. Various inappropriate practices in the handling and use of pesticides caused possible poisoning symptoms among those farmers who generally did not wear protective clothing. Younger farmers (<45 years of age) were the most vulnerable group, probably because they did more spraying than older farmers (>45 years of age). Farmers did not necessarily associate hazardous pesticides with better pest control. The introduction of well-targeted training programmes for farmers on the need for and safe use of pesticides is advocated.

Pesticide use practices among smallholder vegetable farmers in Ethiopian Central Rift Valley

“…Empirically, specific studies have shown the high human and environmental risks of unsafe use of pesticides in many African countries such as Ghana (Ntow et al 2006), Tanzania (Ngowi et al 2007), Botswana (Obopile et al 2008), Ethiopia (Jansen and Harmsen 2011), Benin (Ahouangninou et al 2012), Uganda (Kateregga 2012), Kenya (Macharia et al 2013). Other parts of sub-Saharan Africa have similar problems with the widespread use of highly toxic and illegal pesticides (Ecobichon 2001;Williamson et al 2008;Handford et al 2015).…”

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides: Blood Cholinesterase Activity in a Farming Community in Ghana

“…These practices are not governed by strict regulations concerning the training and education of farmers. As information from the questionnaire and previous work (Clarke et al 1997;Ntow et al 2006) revealed that farmers' handling and storage of chemical pesticides, personal hygiene, and the proper use of personal protective equipment in Ghana is below a reasonable standard, it is unexpected that the biological exposure marker failed to demonstrate an equivalent result.…”

“…Akumadan lies in the agricultural zone of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The community at Akumadan is noted for the cultivation of (Ntow et al 2006). On the one hand, most farmers at Akumadan have little (64.9% comprising primary and middle) or no formal education (12.7%) (Ntow et al 2006).…”

“…The community at Akumadan is noted for the cultivation of (Ntow et al 2006). On the one hand, most farmers at Akumadan have little (64.9% comprising primary and middle) or no formal education (12.7%) (Ntow et al 2006). Although their traditional farming knowledge is adequate for them to benefit from the trade, effective and safe chemical pest management requires knowledge that goes beyond traditional farming practices (Antle and Pingali 1995).…”

“…In Ghana, pesticides are typically applied to vegetables. Safety measures are generally poorly applied and workers lack proper knowledge or training in safe handling and application of these chemicals (Ntow et al 2006). These practices might produce a population with high exposures.…”