Author(s)

Sonchieu Jean^1*, Fointama Emmanuel², Akono Nantia Edouard³, Serri Brownlinda¹

¹Department of Social Economy and Family Management, Higher Technical Teacher Training College, The University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.
²Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Technology, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon/Service of Nursing and Dietetics, Bambili Health Center, Bamenda, Cameroon.
³Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.

Pesticides are commonly used in Cameroon for farming purposes, especially in the Mount-Bamboutos agricultural area. This study aimed to evaluate the basic knowledge, attitude and practices among pesticide users in the said area in view of assessing the level of safety and health risks due to pesticide exposures or contaminations. Data was collected through survey study on pesticide knowledge, marketing, attitude and practices on spraying skills, toxicity, health issues, management, first aids and literacy of operators. Results revealed that both male and female were involved in agricultural practices with their ages varying from 21 to 60 years. The farmers were generally of low education level. The main crops cultivated are leafy and fruit vegetables, tubers, cereals, roots and fruits. Half the participants purchased pesticides from the neighborhood. Ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC) and cypermethrin were the two main pesticides used by the farmers. Seventy percent (70%) of pesticide containers were thrown in the environment after usage. A certain portion of the sprayers (12%) did not know the existence of residues after application while, as routes of penetration up to 42% pointed the mouth as the route for pesticides into human body. Very few respondents (3%) identified the intervention hospital in case of pesticide poisoning. This study highlights poor knowledge on the use and handling of pesticides in Mount-Bamboutos agricultural area. Sensitization campaigns should be put in place, involving different stakeholders, to train farmers in pesticide risks and management.

Pest Management, Ability, Awareness, Pesticides, Handling

Jean, S. , Emmanuel, F. , Edouard, A. and Brownlinda, S. (2019) Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Pesticide Safety: A Case Study of Vegetable Farmers in Mount-Bamboutos Agricultural Area, Cameroon. Agricultural Sciences, 10, 1039-1055. doi: 10.4236/as.2019.108079.