Risks Related to the use of Chemical Inputs for Crop Production in Nkong-Ni and Penka-Michel, West Cameroon

Abstract

This study aims at analysing the risks management of chemical inputs’ use in crops production in the Nkong-Ni and Penka-Michel subdivisions. It aims at analysing the measures taken by the farmers to prevent possible threats caused by chemical inputs such as fertilisers, weed killers, insecticides, fungicides and nematodes in both subdivisions; precisely in Northern Bafou and Balessing. For this purpose, we identified the different chemical inputs used in market gardening, their impact on farmers’ well-being, and their risks. We analysed risks considering actors and policies oriented to limit these risks. Our study sample consists of 239 market gardeners. One hundred and thirty-nine producers received questionnaires: eighty-nine (89) in Ndzieh (Northern Bafou, in the Nkong-Ni subdivision), fifty (50) in Balessing (Penka-Michel), one hundred (100) producers for semi-structured interviews, sixty (60) in Ndzieh and forty (40) in Balessing. The findings show that 67.59% of producers do not comply with inputs prescribed doses. Indeed, they confirm that the use of chemical inputs improves yields, even if it causes some discomfort. Regarding support, relative to chemical inputs use, offered to producers in their agricultural activities, just few of them attended seminars and training, or approach extension agents. As recommended, producers should organize themselves into associations or cooperatives. So, they could benefit from government contributions and actions to raise awareness about environmental safeguarding.