Assessment of Phytosanitary Risks in Cocoa Rubber and Rice Production via the Quebec Pesticide Risk Indicator in Central West Ivory Coast

Abstract

Agricultural chemicalization poses critical threats to sustainable resource management in tropical regions. In Ivory Coast, a global agricultural leader, intensive production of cocoa, rubber, and rice depends heavily on pesticides, endangering biodiversity, water resources, and human health. This study addresses the crucial gap in standardized risk assessment tools by pioneering the adaptation and application of the Quebec Pesticide Risk Indicator (QPRI) to West African tropical agro-ecosystems. Using a structured questionnaire, systematic farm visits, and data triangulation with 160 farmers (71.9% cocoa, 20.6% rubber, and 7.5% rice) cultivating 931.5 hectares in the Lakota department, we evaluated the health (HRI) and environmental (ERI) risks of 37 pesticides. Our findings demonstrate extreme risk levels from insecticide mixtures, particularly neonicotinoid-pyrethroid combinations (e.g., CABOS PLUS 50 SC, HRI=2109). Triazole fungicides (e.g., cyproconazole, ERI=495) and herbicides containing triclopyr emerged as significant threats to aquatic ecosystems, especially the Gazolilié dam, due to their high persistence and mobility. The assessment also revealed significant acute risks to terrestrial invertebrates and birds from pyrethroid use, with products like bifenthrin showing high ERI values (ERI=361). The research uncovered alarming disparities between regulatory frameworks and field practices, including improper waste disposal and inadequate protective measures. We establish that the adapted QPRI serves as an essential tool for evidence-based policy and sustainable agricultural transition. Our study provides a scientifically-grounded framework for prioritizing pesticide regulation, promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as biopesticides, and implementing targeted awareness campaigns. This work offers a replicable model for achieving sustainable agriculture and effective natural resource management in Ivory Coast and comparable tropical agro-ecosystems, directly contributing to conservation objectives, agricultural sustainability, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals through improved pesticide risk assessment and management strategies.