Cocoa farmers are faced with multiple challenges including inadequate access to approved inputs, land, labor and credit facilities. These challenges are compelling them to patronize Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). Premised on this, Conservation Alliance International (CA) with Funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany undertook a preliminary study to assess the gender dynamics in the use of highly Hazardous Pesticides within cocoa production landscape in Ghana. In analyzing the Knowledge levels of Cocoa Farmers on the Use of HHPs, we assessed the perceived effects of Pesticides on Humans and the Environment. From the analysis, most of the cocoa farmers agree or strongly agree that the use of pesticides has effect on their health and the Environment, whereas about 11% strongly disagree. About half of the cocoa farmers experienced itchy skin and eye irritation followed by difficulty in breathing after pesticide application. Also, 10% experienced dizziness and headache and 7% experienced difficulty in breathing. In other times the farmers may not be able to link the pesticide effect to the feeling of discomfort among the sprayers and may conclude that the pesticides have no effect on human health and the environment.

For further details, contact info@conservealliance.org