Abstract:Contribution/Originality: This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the misuse of pesticides in Lubumbashi. Results highlighted poor handling practices of pesticides by farmers and limited knowledge of protective equipment and weather conditions while using plant protection products. serious health issues arising from the exposure while mixing, spraying pesticides and working in treated fields [5-8]. For many farmers, the situation has been exacerbated because of the lack of protective … Show more
“…While some farmers reported washing their hands with soap (16.6%), 24% washed their hands with only water. This behavior is typical among farmers in various agricultural landscapes despite their awareness of the potential danger of pesticides, indicating a lack of necessary precautions to minimize risks (Atreya, 2007; Balasha et al, 2019; Nafissa et al, 2020)…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The findings indicated that farmers are aware of the crucial protective equipment necessary for safe pesticide use. Despite this knowledge, various factors, such as low purchasing power, risk minimization, discomfort while working with PPE, negligence, and unavailability in local markets, prevent farmers from acquiring and utilizing such equipment (Ajayi & Akinnifesi, 2007; Balasha et al, 2019). Farmers’ attitudes and behavior while and after applying pesticides can expose them to the risks of pesticides as they may not be aware of the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure, leading to a lack of concern for their own safety when handling these chemicals.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Interviews with farmers were supplemented by direct observations during the preparation of the mixtures and the application of pesticides. These two steps are crucial in terms of risk exposure because, on the one hand, farmers are in contact with the concentrated product and spraying solutions (Damalas & Koutroubas, 2016; Gouda et al, 2018; Schiffers, 2011), and on the other hand, it is when farmers behavior and attitudes toward pesticides are properly assessed (Balasha et al, 2019; Plianbangchang et al, 2009; Schiffers, 2011). Farmers participating in the survey provided oral consent confirming their willingness to participate in the survey.…”
The move towards reducing environmental and health risks related to pesticide application in smallholder agriculture requires a more detailed understanding of farmers’ awareness and pesticide use practices. Drawing on field observations and interviews with 90 randomly selected farmers, this study assesses the choice of pesticide, use patterns and the level of awareness of pesticide risks among male and female farmers growing vegetables on Idjwi Island, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The main crops grown are tomatoes, eggplants, and cabbages, which are vulnerable to pest attacks, leading to fruit rot (70%), leaf holes, and spots (17%), resulting in significant economic losses. To protect crops, farmers use various pesticides, including fungicides (e.g., Metalaxyl, Mancozeb) and insecticides (e.g., profenofos, Cypermethrin), based on their availability on local market, perceived effectiveness, and relatively affordable prices. Although the results did not reveal significant differences in pesticide use patterns between male and female farmers, men (41%) make decisions about pesticide purchase and use within households either alone or jointly with their spouses (31%). Regrettably, farmers disregard safety instructions and hygiene practices following pesticide application, leading to concerns about public health and the environmental impact of using these products. While we highlight the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to wear protective equipment, findings also show that 75% of the participants are willing to pay $US 5 for any alternative method to pesticide use. This study emphasizes the need for improving awareness and recommends field farmers’ schools to train farmers on pesticides’ proper usage and management. The results suggest further research on farmers’ exposure to pesticide and the exploration of existing alternative methods based on integrated pest management to advance sustainable agriculture.
“…While some farmers reported washing their hands with soap (16.6%), 24% washed their hands with only water. This behavior is typical among farmers in various agricultural landscapes despite their awareness of the potential danger of pesticides, indicating a lack of necessary precautions to minimize risks (Atreya, 2007; Balasha et al, 2019; Nafissa et al, 2020)…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The findings indicated that farmers are aware of the crucial protective equipment necessary for safe pesticide use. Despite this knowledge, various factors, such as low purchasing power, risk minimization, discomfort while working with PPE, negligence, and unavailability in local markets, prevent farmers from acquiring and utilizing such equipment (Ajayi & Akinnifesi, 2007; Balasha et al, 2019). Farmers’ attitudes and behavior while and after applying pesticides can expose them to the risks of pesticides as they may not be aware of the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure, leading to a lack of concern for their own safety when handling these chemicals.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Interviews with farmers were supplemented by direct observations during the preparation of the mixtures and the application of pesticides. These two steps are crucial in terms of risk exposure because, on the one hand, farmers are in contact with the concentrated product and spraying solutions (Damalas & Koutroubas, 2016; Gouda et al, 2018; Schiffers, 2011), and on the other hand, it is when farmers behavior and attitudes toward pesticides are properly assessed (Balasha et al, 2019; Plianbangchang et al, 2009; Schiffers, 2011). Farmers participating in the survey provided oral consent confirming their willingness to participate in the survey.…”
The move towards reducing environmental and health risks related to pesticide application in smallholder agriculture requires a more detailed understanding of farmers’ awareness and pesticide use practices. Drawing on field observations and interviews with 90 randomly selected farmers, this study assesses the choice of pesticide, use patterns and the level of awareness of pesticide risks among male and female farmers growing vegetables on Idjwi Island, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The main crops grown are tomatoes, eggplants, and cabbages, which are vulnerable to pest attacks, leading to fruit rot (70%), leaf holes, and spots (17%), resulting in significant economic losses. To protect crops, farmers use various pesticides, including fungicides (e.g., Metalaxyl, Mancozeb) and insecticides (e.g., profenofos, Cypermethrin), based on their availability on local market, perceived effectiveness, and relatively affordable prices. Although the results did not reveal significant differences in pesticide use patterns between male and female farmers, men (41%) make decisions about pesticide purchase and use within households either alone or jointly with their spouses (31%). Regrettably, farmers disregard safety instructions and hygiene practices following pesticide application, leading to concerns about public health and the environmental impact of using these products. While we highlight the factors influencing farmers’ willingness to wear protective equipment, findings also show that 75% of the participants are willing to pay $US 5 for any alternative method to pesticide use. This study emphasizes the need for improving awareness and recommends field farmers’ schools to train farmers on pesticides’ proper usage and management. The results suggest further research on farmers’ exposure to pesticide and the exploration of existing alternative methods based on integrated pest management to advance sustainable agriculture.
“…À l'aide d'un questionnaire semi-structuré, les entretiens individuels avec les maraîchers ont porté trois points : (1) les caractéristiques socio-économiques des agriculteurs (niveau d'instruction, âge, surfaces cultivées, importance accordée à la production maraîchère, cultures pratiquées) ; (2) les dégâts observés et les pratiques phytosanitaires (facteurs déclenchant du traitement, coût des pesticides, type de produits utilisés et déterminants de leur choix, ainsi que mode d'emploi, moyens de protection utilisés et gestion des emballages) ; (3) la perception des agriculteurs des risques sanitaires (problèmes ressentis après l'application des pesticides). Ces entretiens avec les maraîchers ont été complétés par des observations directes lors de la préparation des bouillies et de l'application des pesticides ; ces deux étapes sont cruciales en termes d'exposition au risque car, d'une part, les agriculteurs sont en contact avec les produits concentrés et dilués (Schiffers, 2011 ;Gouda et al, 2018) et d'autre part, c'est le moment où la qualité des matériels utilisés et le comportement ainsi que l'attitude des agriculteurs sont correctement évalués (Schiffers, 2011 ;Mushagalusa et al, 2019).…”
Section: Enquêtes Auprès Des Agriculteurs Et Des Vendeurs Des Pesticidesunclassified
“…La raison principale donnée par les interviewés pour le non-port des équipements de protection est le manque d'argent pour s'en procurer. La même raison a été avancée par les agriculteurs urbains du Togo et de Lubumbashi où respectivement Kanda et al (2013) et Mushagalusa et al (2019) ont également évoqué la négligence des pratiques d'hygiène, c'est-à-dire se laver le corps, ou au moins les mains après le traitement. Cette négligence, associée à des imprudences observées, telles que manger et fumer pendant le traitement, accroît significativement les risques d'intoxication, de brûlures et dans les cas extrêmes, peut conduire à la mort (Schiffers, 2011 ;Zikankuba et al, 2019 ;Lekei et al, 2020).…”
Section: Typologie Des Pesticides Choix Et Pratiques Aggravant Les Ri...unclassified
Une enquête a été réalisée sur l’île d’Idjwi, à l’est de la République démocratique du Congo, pour évaluer les pratiques phytosanitaires actuelles et les risques perçus par les agriculteurs. Les maraîchers, constitués en majorité de femmes (68 %) utilisent en cultures de tomate, de choux et d’aubergine, une diversité de fongicides, souvent en combinaison (43 %) avec des insecticides tels que la cyperméthrine. Le choix de ces pesticides est principalement déterminé par la perception de leur efficacité par les maraîchers et leur disponibilité sur les marchés locaux, où les revendeurs sont la principale source d’information des agriculteurs. L’incapacité des autorités compétentes (Office national de la protection des végétaux, Office congolais de contrôle) à limiter la distribution des pesticides non autorisés et très dangereux (e.g., profénofos), l’analphabétisme (39 % des agriculteurs) et l’absence de formation à l’usage des pesticides ne favorisent pas de bonnes pratiques phytosanitaires. De plus, le non port des équipements de protection (62 % des cas) et le non-respect des délais de sécurité ainsi que la négligence des pratiques d’hygiène après traitement (50 % de cas) exposent les maraîchers aux risques des pesticides, avec un impact potentiel direct sur leur santé. Enfin, les déchets de pesticides abandonnés sur les exploitations (60 %) et la mauvaise gestion de la bouillie restante après traitement contribuent à polluer l’environnement. Nous proposons donc une série d’actions pour favoriser une gestion rationnelle des pesticides et une amélioration des pratiques phytosanitaires des agriculteurs de l’île d’Idjwi.
In the South Kivu province of the DR Congo, marshes are considered as favorable lands for various crop productions, and these improve food security and livelihood of thousands of households. We analyzed survey data collected from 148 farmers using a binary logit model and descriptive statistics in order to identify the potential threats to agricultural production, and the coping strategies used by farmers in marshlands. Results showed that 65% of respondents were female, and 76% of all farmers claimed perceiving threats to agricultural production in marshes. The perceived potential threats to agriculture included floods, pest infestation (millipede, fall armyworm), crop theft, and unsecure land-holding status as well as the decrease in soil fertility. Moreover, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has also led to the increase in prices of agricultural inputs (pesticides, seeds), and manure that has become increasingly rare and expensive due to the drastic reduction in livestock in that region weakened by several years of civil war and insecurity. In response, farmers were combining several adaptation strategies and these included drainage, mulching, manure application, and crop diversification used by farmers for, respectively, managing floods, maintaining soil fertility, and reducing crop failure. To cope with land scarcity, both female (75%) and male ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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