Assessing pesticides application and impacts among smallholder cocoa farmers in Western Region – Ghana

Abstract

The study assessed the risk of pesticides use among cocoa farmers in three districts of Western Region of Ghana. It employed a descriptive survey study design, where data were collected from 225 smallholders farmers using a questionnaire. The farmers‟ survey revealed inappropriate pesticide application is dangerous to their own health. This was buttressed by a high number of the respondents experiencing headache (66%), dizziness (58%), body weakness or being unusually tired (55%), or burning eyes (53%) after pesticide application. Information gathered from this survey also revealed that farmers sprayed the same wide range of pesticides on all crops, killing non- targeted organism such as pollinators and soil organisms. Part of the survey data was plugged into the risk model (Environmental Impact Quotient) to predict environmental impact of the pesticides. The EIQ model indicated that the use of Copper Hydroxide, Imidacloprid, and Acetamiprid in the study area pose a risk to the environment, especially to insects and pollinators. Transport of Imidacloprid (Confidor) which is widely used by two types of soils. The soils were treated with three different rates (0%, 0.5% and 1% by weight) of two adsorbents (Charcoal (CH) and Rice Husk Biochar (RHB)). Pesticide leachate concentrations revealed that charcoal (CH) at 1% showed maximum imidacloprid adsorption in both soils (Soil 1 – 0.32 μg/ml and Soil 2 – 0.2 μg/ml) followed by RHB at 0.5% in Soil 1- 0.25 μg/ml and RHB at 1% on Soil 2 - 0.61 μg/ml. Both adsorbents show promise to immobilize accidental pesticide spillage in soils