ISSN: 2376-0354
+44-77-2385-9429
Jing Zhu
Kwadaso Agricultural College,
Kumasi
Ghana
Research Article
Advances in Pesticide Use in the Cocoa Belts and Perceptions of Vegetable Farmers
Author(s): Jing Zhu
Jing Zhu
Chemical pesticides are commonly used in the management of pests and diseases in vegetable production in Ghana. However, there is increasing concern about the adverse effects this use has on public health and the environment. A study was conducted to assess how much farmers’ know about the safe handling and use of pesticides, and what they perceive to be the hazards around their use. In-depth field surveys was undertaken with 437 sampled vegetable producers and complimented with focus group discussions and field observation. The results revealed that knapsack sprayers were the most widely used equipment for spraying pesticides (92.4%), followed by hand-held applicators (4.5%) whereas only 3.1% used motorised sprayers. Only 15.6% of the respondents fully protect themselves during spraying operations; others either wore partial protective clothing (38%) or did not wear any protect.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2376-0354.1000149