Igor Nguemouo Nguegang*, Ruth Philomène Noutakdie, Dominique Majoric Omokolo and Bob Marley Djoufack
Introduction: Pesticide use has increased over the past 20 years in Cameroon. Studies reported that most pesticides applicators are ignorant of pesticide toxicity, applications techniques and safety. Many works related adverse health effects associated with pesticides users in Cameroon have been documented. The aim of this study was to describe the use of pesticides, fertilizers and crop preservatives during agriculture and food storage in a Cameroon health District (Dschang, west region).
Method: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the health district of Dschang. Included were household agricultural workers who consented to participate. A multistage sampling was done. Data collection by face-to-face questionnaire administration from 17 to 21th may 2018. "Epi Info 7" was use for data analysis.
Results: Were interviewed, 191 household agricultural workers. Labour force was dominated by female (140; 73.2%) of more than 50 years (61; 31.9%). Herbicides were the least used agrochemical (36.6%). Most participants did not know the type used (29.3%) but Glycophosate was the most used type stated (5.8%). Fertilizers were most frequently used (95.8%). Organic fertilizers accounted for 17.2% but the most type used was 20-10-10 (42.4%). About 70.1% used crop preservatives and Poudrox was mostly used (43.4%). Insecticides users accounted for 42.9% but most of them did not know the name of the type used (38.7%). Training (09.4%) and use of personal protective equipment (31.4%) were poor. Respiratory symptoms (cough and dyspnoea) were the most stated complaints.
Conclusion: pesticides, fertilizers and crop preservatives are effectively used during agriculture. Training and safety measures are rare. Risk of workrelated health problem is a serious concern. Training on all aspect of these agrochemicals with safety measures should be reinforced.
