PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON HERBICIDE USAGE IN SISSALA WEST DISTRICT AREA OF UPPER WEST, GHANA

Abstract

Herbicides are integral components of integrated weed management which is a crucial factor in a worldwide increase in agricultural production. Farmer’s knowledge and participation in herbicide usage is very important. The purpose of this study was to assess farmer’s knowledge and usage of herbicides. The study was conducted in the Sissala District of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The farmers grow crops like maize, vegetables, yam and use herbicides to control weeds that attack these crops. Farmers’ knowledge and attitude towards the usage of herbicides were investigated based on the use of questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaire items included demographic characteristics of farmers, crops cultivated, types and sources of herbicides, use of protective clothing and post-application handling of herbicides. The study revealed that each farmer used either pre-emergence or post-emergence herbicides to control weeds. Herbicides mostly used by farmers include Glyphosate, Paraquat, Atrazine and Pendimenthalin. About 50% of the farmers had to cover quite a distances (5-8Km) to have access to herbicides and other agro-chemicals. About 60% of the farmers had no formal education and with limited knowledge on application of herbicides; thus obtained such information from input dealers or other farmers. About 96% of farmers did not use any protective clothing during application of herbicides; and their reasons being high cost of such items, lack of education and heat stress. Eighty-six percent (86%) of farmers dispose of herbicide containers by leaving them on the farm or any available space. Left-over herbicides were poured on the farm (61%), stored for reuse (32%) or used for other purposes (7%). Farmers showed little knowledge with regards to herbicide application and safety measures. Farmers need to be educated on integrated weed management, appropriate handling of herbicides and formulation, use of protective clothing and proper disposal of left-over herbicides.