Case study 6 Senegal

Country: Senegal Partner Organisation: PAN-Africa Year conducted: 2010 Number of participants: 1,314 (119 female 1,195 male) The main survey focused on pesticide use practices by men – pesticide application is conducted almost entirely by men in this region. 119 women were interviewed to capture incidents of accidental or bystander exposure. Location: Némataba, Kandiaye, Saré Coly, Sallé and Kandia, Senegal

Protective equipment:

Internationally recommended PPE is almost entirely absent, although many users do try to use locally available alternatives. The poor handling practices are compounded by poor equipment, and spills of pesticide coming into contact with unprotected skin or through inhalation are common. 61% of these spills occur during spraying. Store pesticides in the home Spraying into the wind Long sleeves or trousers as PPE Gloves (not international standard) Overalls (international standard PPE) 71% 38% 47% 13% 2%

Empty pesticide containers still contain toxic residues, and should be triple rinsed, punctured and recycled or disposed. While most countries lack a final disposal route, rinsing and puncturing should be done – however not a single farmer reported doing this.

Return containers to source Throw containers into the field Burn containers in the field Domestic reuse 4% 23% 57% 10%

The re-use of ‘empty’ containers regularly causes poisoning incidents, often involving children and frequently leading to multiple deaths % of participants reporting APP in previous 12 months: Only women were questioned about APP. The survey sought to identify cases of exposure of other household members who may be exposed via take-home pathways including contaminated equipment or clothes, storage of pesticides in homes, or domestic reuse of empty containers. Even though none of the respondents were directly involved in pesticide application, some 7% of them experienced symptoms of poisoning in the previous 12 months. Signs and symptoms reported by farmers reporting APP: the top three symptoms were headache, blurred vision and dizziness. Pesticides reported by farmers: The products used include WHO Class Ib and II which are moderately to highly hazardous; and endosulfan products (banned in the region since 2008). This latter HHP is used by 22% of farmers, and must originate in obsolete stockpiles since it has not been supplied since 2007 – indicating that stockpiles are not secured and continue to expose rural populations.

Conclusion

Conditions of pesticide use are poor. While basic measures, such as not spraying into the wind, would undoubtedly reduce risks, more important gains are possible by shifting to alternative pest management methods such as IPM and organic. Given the low awareness and experience in these methods and the familiarity and entrenched nature of the existing system, there are many barriers to such systemic change.

Photo: A pesticides store in Senegal.