Pesticide misuse, health impacts, and knowledge gaps among Cameroonian vegetable farmers: survey findings

Pesticide exposure poses a significant threat to public health in Cameroon, a country reliant heavily on vegetable production. This study aimed to assess the usage, knowledge, and handling practices of pesticides among vegetable farmers. We surveyed 345 farmers across six regions and eight divisions using interviews and on-farm observations from 2021 to 2022. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and logistic regression. Farmers applied 43 active ingredients—46.5% insecticides, 41.8% fungicides, and 11.6% herbicides—many of which threaten health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Of these, 6.9%, such as abamectin and methomyl, are classified as highly hazardous (WHO Ib), while others, including glyphosate, 2,4-D, and chlorothalonil, are probable or possible carcinogens (IARC, 2021). Misuse was prevalent: 80.4% mixed pesticides, 49.2% disregarded recommended dosages, and applications occurred twice weekly on average. Lack of support was evident, with 67.6% of farmers receiving no assistance, 65.3% lacking training, and 42.3% depending on neighbors for advice; additionally, 64.1% stored pesticides at home. MCA revealed that misuse correlated with farming experience, information sources, education level, land tenure, and inadequate support. Strikingly, 88.6% reported post-handling symptoms (e.g., fatigue, dizziness), with risk factors including limited PPE use, higher age, frequent applications, and less experience. Women showed greater vulnerability (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.39–7.80, P <0.05), whereas PPE use reduced risks (OR = 5.86, 95% CI: 2.62–13.09, P <0.05), and lack of assistance exacerbated outcomes (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.12–0.65, P <0.05). Significant knowledge gaps in compliance, health risks, and environmental impacts were evident (P < 0.01). These findings highlight a public health crisis driven by pervasive misuse in vegetable cultivation. We recommend urgent training and support for farmers, alongside residue analysis in Cameroon’s vegetables to quantify contamination levels and health risks, biomonitoring to assess exposure, and African Union-aligned bans on WHO Ib pesticides to protect communities.