Pesticide Usage in Pest Management by Vegetable Producers in the Foumbot Production Basin of the Western Highlands (Cameroon)

Abstract

Purpose: Cameroon is the food basket of the Central African Region in terms of food production and a significant proportion of her population depends on the production of fruits and vegetables for livelihood. The Western Highlands of Cameroon is known for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. The Foumbot Production Basin in the Western Highlands of Cameroon is noted for its high agricultural output, especially in the domain of market gardening. Produce originating from this area is consumed throughout the nation, especially in the Southern Regions of Cameroon and also exported to neighbouring countries like Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic. This study therefore sought to find out how pesticides are being employed in the production of these crops (mostly fruits and leafy vegetables, of short growing cycles) in the Foumbot Production Basin of the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Methodology: A survey was conducted in which a well-developed questionnaire containing both closed multiple-choice and open-ended questions, was established to collect important information related to the topic from the market gardeners in the Foumbot Production Basin. A total of 100 market gardeners were interviewed. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data allowed us to assess the pesticide use practices of tomato growers by having a clear idea on demographic social characteristics (sex, level of education, age, and marital status), agronomic practices (cropping season and cropping system), application of pesticides (types of pesticides used, source of information’s relating to the use of pesticides, the moment of application, reaction following the ineffectiveness of the product, respect pre-harvest intervals, knowledge of the presence of residues in the fruits, health effects, wearing of PPE and disposal of empty packaging). Findings: It was observed that a majority of the gardeners were males with mostly secondary education. Many of the gardeners did not disposed their empty pesticide containers properly while a majority did not use personal protective equipment during application. Up to 93% of producers do not respect or ignore the pre-harvest interval. Harvest was determined by the availability of buyers of the crop, irrespective of the last time it was sprayed. This is attributed to the complete absence of extension services and training. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This information can be used to develop a training programme on pest management especially on pesticide use in the Foumbot Production Basin.