Study of pesticides use conditions in cashew production in Cte dIvoire

Abstract

This work aims to promote the rational use of agrochemicals in cashew cultivation by evaluating health prevention culture and environmental preservation levels in cashew producers’ practices in Cote d’Ivoire. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2017 to August 2018 in the 3 main cashew production areas (Mankono, Dabakala and Bondoukou). A total of 386 cashew farmers randomly selected were interviewed using the face-to-face technique with an anonymous structured questionnaire. Our results revealed that 68.9% (n=266) of the producers surveyed used agrochemicals but were essentially illiterate (66.04%) and relatively aged with 45 years in mean. Mankono represented the major site in pesticides use with mean of 10.6 L herbicide per hectare following Dabakala (2.5 l/ha). 70 different specialties were identified among them; 38.20% were not approved in Cote d'Ivoire. 11 active substances were identified. The controversy herbicide glyphosate was the most abundant active molecule used following 2,4-D amine salt. Several cases of acute intoxication (headache, nausea, etc.) were reported in 37.6% of producers who applied pesticides twice in every agricultural year for 2 to 4 h and in some cases (26%) within 1 and 4 pm without efficient protection. Concerning environment protection, 61.70% applicators abandoned pesticide packaging in the wild indicating poor environment regarding farmers’ practices. Taken together, our results suggested that the conditions of pesticide use were a real handicap for the sustainability of the cashew farming which could be improved by farmers training in safe use and rigorous control by the Ivorian Government. Key words: Pesticide-safe-use, cashew-nuts-production, agricultural-practices.