Pesticide use and abuse in irrigated areas

Pesticide use and abuse in irrigated areas

Pesticides are used widely to control insects, weeds and fungi that might otherwise destroy a large part of the world's food crops. They are also used in many countries to control insect vectors of human diseases such as malaria. It has been estimated that at least three million cases of pesticide poisoning occur worldwide each year, with 220,000 deaths. The majority of these poisonings occur in developing countries where less protection against exposure is applied, knowledge of health risks and safe use is limited, and harmful pesticides are easily accessible. Despite the magnitude of the problem of pesticide poisoning, there have been very few analytical studies in developing countries to identify the risk factors. The dangers of pesticide use to human health comprise of acute poisoning caused by intentional, occupational or accidental exposure and adverse health effects caused by long-term (mainly occupational) exposure. In Sri Lanka, pesticide poisoning is often identified by farmers and health workers as the primary health concern in irrigated areas. The high use of pesticides in irrigation schemes makes the study of pesticide-related health problems especially relevant to irrigation communities. IWMI has carried out studies to analyze the reasons for the high number of pesticide poisoning cases and to explore ways of controlling the problem through changes in agricultural practices and community involvement. Later research focused on the risk factors for acute pesticide poisoning.

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