Perceptions of Pesticide Use by Populations in Daloa Commune (Central Western Côte d’Ivoire)

Agricultural pesticides are increasingly denounced around the world because of their negative consequences on environment and human health. In order to find out the opinion of the population of Daloa Commune on phytosanitary products, a survey was conducted. It involved 100 individuals in the agricultural population and another 100 in the non-agricultural population. The results revealed that herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and growth regulators are the known pesticides of both population types. The majority of the non-agricultural population (96%) found pesticide use to be disadvantaged, while few farmers (14%) took a dim view of the use of pesticides. In terms of receptivity to pesticide use, 93% of farmers were in favor of their use compared to 20% of non-agricultural population. In addition, a relationship has been observed between susceptibility to pesticide use and two population sociodemographic characteristics: population origin and socioeconomic category. In terms of the origin of the populations, natives tend to be in favor of pesticide use. In terms of socio-economic groups, farmers are more receptive to pesticide use. For agrosystem sustainable management and human health preservation, farmers in Daloa Commune must be trained in good phytosanitary practices, organic farming and integrated pest management.