EXPLORING FACTORS INFLUENCING PESTICIDE USAGE AMONG FARMERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Abstract

Congolese agriculture has grappled with persistently low productivity, a trend dating back to the 1960s. This underperformance can be attributed to the prevalence of traditional farming methods, occupying a staggering 81% of cultivated land, marked by subpar productivity and meager yields. For instance, maize production hovers at a mere 690 kg/ha, paling in comparison to the over 3 T/ha seen in developing countries and 1.2 T/ha in sub-Saharan Africa.

Furthermore, the Economic Diversification Support Project (PADE, 2018) highlights a concerning issue in the market gardening sector—excessive pesticide use. These farmers purchase pesticides in small, unlabeled quantities, often repackaged in 50 to 100 ml bottles or sachets under 50 g. Alarmingly, many lack knowledge about specific pests, product concentrations, application dosages, and proper equipment calibration and maintenance. Safety precautions during pesticide application and adherence to harvest intervals are routinely disregarded.

Moreover, the absence of robust technological innovation policies in agriculture exacerbates these challenges. Farmers receive inadequate training and awareness regarding best practices and techniques to bolster productivity. Limited access to pesticide retailers and agricultural inputs in rural areas further impedes pesticide utilization.

A study conducted during the pilot project for identifying pesticide and chemical product intoxication cases in Brazzaville sheds light on pesticide use among market gardeners. This primarily male-dominated activity involves individuals under 40, many of whom receive training irrespective of their educational background.