Vegetable farmers’ knowledge on pesticides use in Northwest Ghana

The prevalence of widespread problems of insect pests and diseases has resulted in high demand for pesticides application in vegetables farming in Ghana. Studies on pesticides use in Ghana have primarily focused on pesticide toxicity, health risk, pesticides residues and contamination level, with limited attention to smallholder farmers’ actual pesticide use practices, especially in the Upper West Region. This article assesses the avenues through which farmers access pesticides, their knowledge and actual pesticides use practices. The application of the social practice approach permits the linking of farmers’ lifestyles and the systems of pesticides provision and offers a holistic and grounded perspective on pesticides governance. We collected data from farmers, agro-chemical dealers and state actors through in-depth interviews and observations. The findings suggest that farmers indiscriminately use pesticides: wrong doses, poor storage, neglecting safety precautions, avoiding the use of protective equipment and inappropriate disposal of empty containers. The social practice approach has demonstrated that farmers’ pesticides use practices are greatly influenced by state-run actors, the system of provision, individual lifestyle characteristics and the daily circumstances in which pesticides are being purchased and applied. Paying attention to farmers’ knowledge and understanding as well as the system of pesticides provision could possibly ensure sustainable pesticides use. Revitalizing traditional farming practices and possible integration with current agriculture practices can enhance the sustainability of the agrarian sector.