CHARACTERIZATION OF PESTICIDES AND PRACTICES OF COTTON PRODUCERS AND PESTICIDES SELLERS IN THE COTTON ZONE OF BALA’S HIPPOPOTAMUS POND BIOSPHERE OF BURKINA FASO

Abstract

Chemical pesticides are systematically used against pests in conventional cotton growing. However, their use is known to be associated with health and environmental risks. Current study aimed to characterize pesticides and both crop producers and pesticide retailers practices. To this end, a survey and documentary research were carried out in the cotton zone around the biosphere of the Bala’s hippopotamus pond, Burkina Faso. The results of study revealed that 87.5% of the pesticides retailers do not have agreement for pesticides selling. Further, more than 95% of the farmers wear their usual rural outfits to apply pesticides and 60.4% of them are not educated. The re-entry time into the treated fields was at most 24 hours for the majority of producers. Empty packaging is incinerated, abandoned in the wild or reused. About 50% of the producers experienced acute pesticide poisoning. The pesticide supply chain involves major distributors, retailers and pesticide users. Except LADABA, the 27 pesticides encountered at the producers, were identified at the retailers. Most of the used pesticides are mainly class III. In addition, 34.15% and 14.81% of pesticides from retailers and cotton producers are not allowed for use by the Sahelian Pesticides Committee (CSP). Some of these pesticides were composed of banned active substances (endosulfan, atrazine and paraquat). Of the products used, imidacloprid, paraquat and spirotetramate are CMR active substances; deltamethrin and flubendiamide are endocrine disruptors. The regulation and continuous promotion of good practices for the use of pesticides approved from less toxic active substances should be favored in order to protect health and the environment.