Knowledge, attitudes and practices of market gardeners toward pesticide use in Bamako, Mali

Abstract

Introduction: Pesticides are used in market gardening to meet growing consumer demand and achieve economically viable production levels. These products inevitably leave residues that could harm human health and the environment if misused. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of market gardeners toward pesticide use in Bamako. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted among 120 market gardeners randomly sampled in the district of Bamako. Results: According to the results, 56.7% of market gardeners did not have a diploma and 84% said they never read the instructions for safe use. The personal protective equipment used were: masks (58%), gloves (18%), boots (8%), safety glasses (3%) and coveralls (1%). Empty pesticide packaging, in general, is discarded in the environment (35%). Headache and flu-like symptoms (fever, runny nose, tired) were the most cited symptoms after crop treatment (29% and 27%, respectively). After suspected poisoning, market gardeners took milk in 17% of cases. Conclusion: Pesticides can cause health and environmental risks. To stem this, the use of these products must be done in accordance with good agricultural practices in order to protect the health of market gardeners and ensure the protection of the environment.

Keywords

• pesticides
• market gardeners
• bamako
• mali