Socio-economic Analysis of the place and use of Agricultural Chemical inputs in Rural Vegetable Production: North Bafou Area Case

Abstract

This study aims at analysing the place of chemical inputs in agricultural activities in rural areas, especially in Northen Bafou, in Nkong – Ni subdivision. It assesses the impact of agricultural chemical inputs such as fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and nematicides on Northen Bafou vegetable producers’ works. To this end, we identified the supply mechanisms for chemical inputs used in agriculture. We assessed the compliance with operating instructions for their use and, we examined the follow-up framework for producers in the use of those products. Our study population consists of 42 vegetable producers, divided into seven groups, i.e. six (6) producers per village, as the survey was conducted in the seven (7) villages of the study zone, regarding questionnaires. As for group interviews, we conducted seven (7) group interviews in the seven villages. We found that 67.5% of producers don’t keep the prescribed doses of chemical inputs. They affirm that chemical inputs improve yields, even if they feel various discomforts such as breathing difficulties, hands itching, eyelids palpitations, dizziness, nausea and vomiting after using the said products. With regard to monitoring producers in the use of chemical inputs, only 5% benefited from training and seminars.