Perceptions of environmental and health risks related to the use of pesticides in urban market gardening in Koudougou (Burkina Faso): approach using the index method

Abstract

The objective of this study is to understand pesticide use and perceptions of health and environmental risks induced by uncontrolled pesticide use. To do so, primary and secondary data were used. The study revealed that men (91.7%), the very young (10-20 years), the not so young (31-40 years) and the educated (63.9%) predominate in urban market gardening. They use pesticides composed of insecticides (91%) and herbicides (9%). Their use consists of preparing the products and spraying them on the vegetables. When spraying, the market gardeners (80%) do not protect themselves. The study also showed that market gardeners are aware of the environmental and health risks induced by the use of pesticides. However, the incidence of risk fluctuates according to socio-demographic characteristics and is mostly very low (I varies between 0 and 0.416). On the other hand, regardless of socio-demographic characteristics, water pollution and stomach aches are perceived as serious risks. Men, the very young, the not so young and the educated perceive the dangers of environmental and health risks more than other socio-demographic categories. It would therefore be advisable to carry out awareness-raising and training activities on the use of pesticides for women and illiterate people.