Vegetable growers perception of pesticide use practices, cost, and health effects in the tropical region of Cameroon

Abstract

Surveys of vegetable producers in Cameroon's primary vegetable production zones in the humid tropics 
looked at their usage of pesticides. The purpose of the surveys was to clarify farmers' crop calendar, 
pesticide spray schedule, and frequency. Farmers' understanding of insect objectives, amounts and key 
active substances utilized, and vegetable production training was assessed. Weekly pesticide spraying 
was shown to be the most popular method; 28% of farmers applied fungicides and 40% sprayed 
insecticides. Nevertheless, 45% and 59%, respectively, were unable to identify the illnesses and insect 
pests they were trying to manage. Depending on the size of the farm, farmers used 0.5–9 liters of 
pesticide, 10–49 kilograms, and 10–49 packets of chemicals annually. Pesticide costs range from 300 to 
12000 F each package, 6000 to 8500 FCFA per kilogram of fungicide, and 5000 to 13000 FCFA per 
liter of insecticide. Twenty percent of farmers reported that pesticides had an adverse effect on their 
health, and ninety percent of farmers utilized a backpack sprayer. Chemicals are kept at home by around 
25% of farmers. Seventy-five percent have never gotten any instruction on the use of pesticides and their 
impact on health, and they learn about agricultural productivity from other farmers. The risk of pesticide 
abuse and the expense of growing vegetables are increased when farmers are not trained. If Cameroonian 
vegetable farmers are to utilize less costly pest control solutions that are less dangerous to the 
environment and human health, they must be made aware of the risks associated with improper handling 
of pesticides.