Perceptions and Practices of Herbicide Use among Peri Urban Vegetable Farmers in Selected Hubs of the Accra Plains

Aims: To assess the knowledge base of farmers regarding herbicide use and secondly determine the attitudes and practices of herbicide use among peri urban vegetable farmers.

Study Design: The study design is by survey and collation of questionnaire in selected urban areas noted for vegetable productions.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Ashaiman (5°40’41.42’’N, 0°2’15.27’’E) under Ashaiman Municipality, Dzorwulu (5.6116°N, 0.2034°W) under Ayawaso West district and Borhye (05.67682°N, 000.21194°W) under Ga East district of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. These areas are major vegetable production hubs in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study was conducted between July and August 2015.

Methodology: A questionnaire consisting of structured items was designed. Data was collected through a farm survey by face to face interviews with farmers during farm activities. Structured interview schedule with both open ended- and closed ended- questions was prepared and administered. The questions were written in English and response was elicited both in English and respondent’s lingua franca (Akan) of each of the survey community. A total of twenty (20) questionnaires were administered and the same number was returned. The site was selected based on the crops grown, herbicide usage.

Results: The herbicides used were Round up with Glyfosinate ammonium as active ingredients, Kwatriqua with Paraquat as active ingredient. Majority of the farmers observed precautionary measures such as wearing boots, overall and nose masks when applying the herbicides. All the farmers agreed to using herbicides in the land preparation of their farms. About 70% of the farmers makes 20% economic returns after herbicide applications. Equal numbers of the farmers use contact and selective herbicides in spraying their farms. Farmers select herbicides based on their quick action and effectiveness in killing the weeds.

Conclusion: The perceptions and practices of the farmers on herbicide use still need to be improved, their attitude is also still negative. Government should in no time discourage the use of herbicides that have been banned by WHO and FAO. Government should educate farmers on Integrated Pest Management thereby reducing health hazards posed by herbicide usage. The indiscriminate use of herbicides, often in excess. Evaluations such as these, guidelines to users and clarifications to the population should be encouraged.