Farmers' Perceptions of Pesticide and Chemical Fertilizer use in Market Gardening in the Comoé River Watershed in Burkina Faso

Aims: Analyzing farmers' perceptions of the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers in market gardening in the Comoé Province of Burkina Faso.

Place and Duration of Study: The present study was carried out in the watershed of the Comoé River located in Burkina Faso in the western part of Africa. The study covered the period from March 12th to May 25th, 2019.

Methodology: An individual survey of a sample of 204 market gardeners using synthetic chemicals? was conducted. It was supplemented by field observations. A survey form was designed and the questionnaire was integrated into an application (mWater) for data collection. The data collected was summarized by descriptive statistics.

Results: Study showed that vegetable producers almost unanimously say it is necessary to use fertilizers and pesticides on their production sites. Some of the producers (18.87%) well? appreciate the use of fertilizers and synthetic pesticides on the sites. Nearly 94% also believe that the use of fertilizers improves soil fertility and helps to increase crop yields.

As for the precautions taken by the gardeners while using synthetic pesticides, results of interviews showed that 96.57% of them do not use any protective equipment. In general, after treating their farms with synthetic pesticides, vegetable growers wash themselves at water points and clean their equipment in the field. Of all the producers interviewed, nearly 58% wash themselves at water points while 41% do so in the field. Furthermore, almost all the market gardeners (96%) refer to the nearest medical centre in case of symptoms related to the use of synthetic pesticides.

Conclusion: with a view to the rational use of phytosanitary products and the safeguarding of the ecosystem, it is important to initiate and implement awareness campaigns among the gardeners.