Effects of synthetic agricultural chemicals on health: Views of smallholder farmers in the Ho West district

Abstract

The use of agro-chemicals especially insecticides and herbicides has become a very common agricultural practice among smallholder farmers in Ghana including the Ho West District of the Volta Region. The worrying issue is the inappropriate application of these chemicals. This study explored smallholder farmers’ knowledge of the adverse effects of the application of agrochemicals on crops, animals and human health. This was a qualitative study and data were collected using focus groups of smallholder farmers from the Ho West District. The groups were purposively selected with the aim of capturing farmers who are knowledgeable in the use of agro-chemicals. Five group interviews consisting of six (6) to twelve (12) farmers in each group were organised. The findings suggested that although, many of the farmers are aware of the harmful effects of the chemicals on crops, animal, humans and the environment, they do not wear personal protective equipment during application. Overwhelming majority of the interviewees do not use safety clothing such as gloves, nose-covering, hand-washing and eye protection gadgets. Seventy percent of the farmers reported that they never had any training regarding the use of these chemicals, and that radio advertisements are the main source of their information regarding usage. Encouragingly, all of them admitted that they are ready and willing to avail themselves to learn and acquire skills needed for effective application of these chemicals. As agro-chemicals have become indispensable in modern day farming, it is imperative for government and other stakeholders to provide training opportunities for farmers on proper handling of the chemicals so that lives and the environment are protected.