Mismanagement of pesticides among smallholder farmers: A growing concern
Abstract
Africa's agricultural sector faces a significant threat from pests and diseases, leading to increased reliance on chemical pesticides among smallholder farmers. Recent surveys across Sub Saharan Africa reveal high pesticide use, with up to 87% reported in Rwanda. However, the indiscriminate use and improper disposal of pesticides raise concerns about long-term effects on human health and the environment. Epidemiological and molecular research underscores the risks of pesticide exposure, contributing to respiratory complications, reproductive disorders, birth defects, and environmental disruptions. Smallholder farmers, frequently exposed without proper protection, suffer from various health symptoms, such as headaches, skin irritations, and digestive issues. Globally, pesticide poisoning accounts for nearly 300,000 deaths annually. Efforts to address this issue require a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, investment in agricultural extension services is essential to provide training on sustainable farming practices that reduce pesticide dependence. Secondly, policymakers must promote safer alternatives to highly hazardous pesticides, including bio-pesticides, botanical extracts, and integrated pest management techniques. Finally, strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement is crucial to control pesticide sale, distribution, and ensure safe usage. The misuse of chemical pesticides poses a serious threat to human health, the environment, and agriculture productivity. Addressing these challenges requires immediate action to ensure the well-being of smallholder farmers, protect human health, and safeguard the environment.All authors who submit their paper for publication will abide by following provisions of the copyright transfer: 1. The copyright of the paper rests with the authors. And they are transferring the copyright to publish the article and used the article for indexing and storing for public use with due reference to published matter in the name of concerned authors. 2. The authors reserve all proprietary rights such as patent rights and the right to use all or part of the article in future works of their own such as lectures, press releases, and reviews of textbooks. 3. In the case of republication of the whole, part, or parts thereof, in periodicals or reprint publications by a third party, written permission must be obtained from the Managing Editor of JPRM. 4. The authors declare that the material being presented by them in this paper is their original work, and does not contain or include material taken from other copyrighted sources. Wherever such material has been included, it has been clearly indented or/and identified by quotation marks and due and proper acknowledgements given by citing the source at appropriate places. 5. The paper, the final version of which they submit, is not substantially the same as any that they had already published elsewhere. 6. They declare that they have not sent the paper or any paper substantially the same as the submitted one, for publication anywhere else. 7. Furthermore, the author may only post his/her version provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication in this journal and a link is inserted wherever published. 8. All contents, Parts, written matters, publications are under copyright act taken by JPRM. 9. Published articles will be available for use by scholars and researchers. 10. IJPRM is not responsible in any type of claim on publication in our Journal. .