Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications
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 us...
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Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/547272 |
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doaj-05a97ecc17204e07abda94c1630db9da2020-11-24T22:16:39ZengHindawi LimitedJournal of Environmental and Public Health1687-98051687-98132015-01-01201510.1155/2015/547272547272Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health ImplicationsMemuna M. Mattah0Precious A. D. Mattah1Godfred Futagbi2Department of Environmental and Development Studies, Central University College, Accra, GhanaDirectorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GhanaDepartment of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, GhanaPesticide 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.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/547272 |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Memuna M. Mattah Precious A. D. Mattah Godfred Futagbi |
spellingShingle |
Memuna M. Mattah Precious A. D. Mattah Godfred Futagbi Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications Journal of Environmental and Public Health |
author_facet |
Memuna M. Mattah Precious A. D. Mattah Godfred Futagbi |
author_sort |
Memuna M. Mattah |
title |
Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications |
title_short |
Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications |
title_full |
Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications |
title_fullStr |
Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications |
title_full_unstemmed |
Pesticide Application among Farmers in the Catchment of Ashaiman Irrigation Scheme of Ghana: Health Implications |
title_sort |
pesticide application among farmers in the catchment of ashaiman irrigation scheme of ghana: health implications |
publisher |
Hindawi Limited |
series |
Journal of Environmental and Public Health |
issn |
1687-9805 1687-9813 |
publishDate |
2015-01-01 |
description |
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. |
url |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/547272 |
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