Agricultural Pesticides: Study On Harmful Effects Endorsed

Experts met in Yaounde on December 28, 2016, to this effect.

Experts from the Ministry of the Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, the Rotterdam Convention Secretariat and the Food and Agriculture Organisation, have approved a pilot study on the harmful effects of agricultural pesticides on human health and the environment in certain regions of Cameroon. The event in Yaounde on December 28, 2016, scrutinised the study carried out with farmers, pesticide distributors and health centres. It identifies pesticides with real hazards for agricultural users and professionals in the crop protection industry, consumers and the environment.

The study was conducted on 140 pesticides of the 610 subsidised in 69 distribution centres. Recurrent health hazards were recorded in over 38 health centres that served for testing. The study revealed that food poisoning has increased since 2011. Eight per cent of vi...