Matowo, N. S., Tanner, M., Munhenga, G., Mapua, S. A., Finda, M., Utzinger, J., Ngowi, V. and Okumu, F. O. (2020) Patterns of pesticide usage in agriculture in rural Tanzania call for integrating agricultural and public health practices in managing insecticide-resistance in malaria vectors. Malaria Journal, 19(1), 257. (doi: 10.1186/s12936-020-03331-4) (PMID:32677961) (PMCID:PMC7364647)
|
Text
220805.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. 1MB |
Abstract
Abstract: Background: Unrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors. Unfortunately, strategies for managing insecticide resistance in agriculture and public health sectors lack integration. This study explored the types and usage of agricultural pesticides, and awareness and management practices among retailers and farmers in Ulanga and Kilombero districts in south-eastern Tanzania, where Anopheles mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids. Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. First, a survey to characterize pesticide stocks was conducted in agricultural and veterinary (agrovet) retail stores. Interviews to assess general knowledge and practices regarding agricultural pesticides were performed with 17 retailers and 30 farmers, followed by a survey involving 427 farmers. Concurrently, field observations were done to validate the results. Results: Lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin (both pyrethroids) and imidacloprids (neonicotinoids) were the most common agricultural insecticides sold to farmers. The herbicide glyphosate (amino-phosphonates) (59.0%), and the fungicides dithiocarbamate and acylalanine (54.5%), and organochlorine (27.3%) were also readily available in the agrovet shops and widely used by farmers. Although both retailers and farmers had at least primary-level education and recognized pesticides by their trade names, they lacked knowledge on pest control or proper usage of these pesticides. Most of the farmers (54.4%, n = 316) relied on instructions from pesticides dealers. Overall, 93.7% (400) farmers practised pesticides mixing in their farms, often in close proximity to water sources. One-third of the farmers disposed of their pesticide leftovers (30.0%, n = 128) and most farmers discarded empty pesticide containers into rivers or nearby bushes (55.7%, n = 238). Conclusion: Similarities of active ingredients used in agriculture and malaria vector control, poor pesticide management practices and low-levels of awareness among farmers and pesticides retailers might enhance the selection of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This study emphasizes the need for improving awareness among retailers and farmers on proper usage and management of pesticides. The study also highlights the need for an integrated approach, including coordinated education on pesticide use, to improve the overall management of insecticide resistance in both agricultural and public health sectors.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The study was financially supported by a Wellcome Trust Intermediate Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine (Grant No.: WT102350/Z/13/Z) and the World Health Organization’s Tropical Disease Research (TDR) group (Reference No.: 2015/590235-0) awarded to the senior author FOO. NSM is a recipient of a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship via the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students FCS (ESKAS) (Reference No: 2017.0786). |
| Keywords: | Research, Malaria Vector, Agricultural practices, Lambda-cyhalothrin, Chlorpyrifos, Chlorothalonil, Imidacloprid, Glyphosate, Pesticides knowledge, Insecticide resistance, Malaria |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Okumu, Professor Fredros |
| Authors: | Matowo, N. S., Tanner, M., Munhenga, G., Mapua, S. A., Finda, M., Utzinger, J., Ngowi, V., and Okumu, F. O. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Malaria Journal |
| Publisher: | BMC |
| ISSN: | 1475-2875 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1475-2875 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2020 The Author(s) |
| First Published: | First published in Malaria Journal 19(1):257 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record
Deposit and Record Details
Deposit and Record Details