CHARACTERIZATION OF WEED FLORA AND PESTICIDE USE PRACTICES IN VEGETABLE FARMING SYSTEMS IN PAKH AND MBANE, LAKE GUIERS REGION, SENEGAL

Abstract

Vegetable farming plays an important role in food security and farmers’ incomes in Senegal. However, the intensification of production systems is accompanied by significant pesticide use, which can pose risks to human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to characterize the weed flora and assess pesticide use and management practices in vegetable farming systems in Pakh and Mbane, in the Lake Guiers area. A socioeconomic survey was conducted among 69 farm managers 37 in Pakh and 32 in Mbane using a structured questionnaire. Weeds were identified based on botanical criteria, and the pesticides identified were cross-referenced against the list of products approved by the Sahelian Pesticide Committee. The results revealed a weed flora consisting of 9 species, 8 genera, and 5 families, with a predominance of Poaceae and therophytes. All growers surveyed reported using pesticides. A total of 24 commercial products were identified, including 18 registered and 6 unregistered, representing 23 active ingredients or combinations of active ingredients. Compliance with recommended application rates was relatively high, while mixing pesticides, insufficient use of personal protective equipment, and improper handling of packaging were the main high-risk practices. These results underscore the need to strengthen phytosanitary oversight, promote integrated weed and pest management, and improve the management of pesticide packaging.