This study aims to contribute to a reduction in the health and environmental risks associated with the use of chemical pesticides. Three hundred farmers, stockbreeders, and agro-pastoralists were selected and surveyed in a reasoned manner in the Departments of Benoue, Faro, Mayo Rey, and Mayo Louti. Twenty-four pesticides were identified as the most widely used, along with herbicides. Some turn out to be counterfeit (Feodal Goal). The frequency with which they are used varies from one producer to another. Some use them once per crop production cycle (15%), others use them two to four times per production cycle (72%), and some even use them more than four times per crop production cycle (13%). The majority of respondents stated that they had observed inappropriate behavior in the animals after their return from grazing (lung disease, diarrhea, mouth and paw sores, runny nose, belly bloating, heart disease, and paralysis). The correlation between the state of health of the animals and the pesticides used shows a positive relationship between these variables. It is important that emphasis be placed on the training and ongoing awareness-raising of retailers and producers on good practices in the use of pesticides.

 

Key words: Chemical pesticides, health and environmental risks, producers, grazing.