Evaluation of Agricultural Practices in Urban Areas: The Case of Pesticides uses on Market Garden Sites in Sarh, Chad

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the phytosanitary practices of urban market gardeners and to provide a better understanding of the risks associated with market gardening practices, particularly the use of pesticides. She took place in the town of Sarh, in Chad's Moyen Chari province. The study consisted in conducting surveys based on semi-directed interviews using a questionnaire, in order to understand the knowledge, attitudes and practices of growers through the study. A total of 100 market gardeners using pesticides were surveyed. The results showed that the majority (97%) of market gardeners were men aged between 20 and 50, with secondary education. Observations revealed the use of unauthorized pesticides, often intended specifically for other crops. The active ingredients of the most commonly used pesticides was: Acetamiprid, Cypermethrin, Cypermethrin, Cypermethrin and Chlorpyrifos-ethyl. These pesticides were used without any adequate means of protection, and 81% of market gardeners dispose of the packaging in the immediate environment. Concerning the time taken for the last pre-harvest treatment, only 7% of those surveyed observed a normal delay of more than 21 days and 29% applied a delay of less than a week. In the event of product ineffectiveness, 85% of growers adopt the strategy of overdosing, 11% change products and 4% resort to combining with a second product. With regard to the risks to human health associated with handling plant protection products, 92% of those surveyed said they had perceived harmful effects such as headaches and/or fever (58%), nasal congestion, colds and/or coughs (16%), skin burns (10%), dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting (5%) and red eyes (3%). In view of the potential risk of intoxication to growers, it would be urgent to train market gardeners in the use of pesticides. Promoting the use of biopesticides and compliance with standards for pesticide packaging management is an alternative way of reducing the negative impacts of phytosanitary products.