Phytosanitary practices and associated human health and environmental risks in vegetable cropping systems in Northeastern Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The Bogofa commune is becoming a dynamic area for market-oriented vegetable production with farmers who use synthetic pesticides. However, synthetic pesticides threaten both the environment and consumer health. There is growing interest in assessing pesticide-use practices among local farmers to raise awareness and promote the safe, responsible, and appropriate use of pesticides in agricultural production. An exploratory survey was conducted from August 2023 to September 2023 to evaluate commercial garden systems in the Bogofa community and determine which commercial garden areas were most representative. The Bogofa community was selected as it drastically increased vegetable production due to significant barriers associated with safe pesticide usage. A sample of 58 farmers was selected based on the amount of production using hectares as a measurement to complete the analysis through Statistica Version 12.5. The plants produced most commonly were tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cabbage, and cucumbers (94.83 %). Additionally, approximately 11 pesticides from the Directorate of Plant Protection, Control, and Quality (Class II) are available to vegetable farmers, which contain K-Optimal 35 EC (Lambda-cyhalothrin and Acetamiprid) and Decis Forte 100 EC (Deltamethrin) that put them at risk due to their lack of Personal Protective Equipment (94.83 %) and reliance on their regular clothing (91.38 %) and 91.38 % of purchasing pesticides from farmer vendors in local retail outlets. Storage methods vary little; they store them at home-46.55 %-in field shelters-27.59 %-or storage facilities-25.86 %. Moreover, 37.93 % dispose of their remaining pesticide mixes in farms or storage facilities. Of the rest, 27.59 % discarded any unused mixed pesticides along with their empty containers and other debris collected from their farms. Farmers commonly burned empty containers (44.83 %), leave them in the field (39.66 %), or reuse them somewhere else (3.45 %). All these practices combined will increase the amount of leftover pesticide residue on farms, making consumers may increase the risk of environmental contamination and dietary exposure. The findings demonstrate an urgent need for formal training in pesticide selection, application, personal protection, storage, and container disposal.