PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN WEST AFRICA: A SYNTHESIS OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURAL PHYTOSANITARY PRACTICES

In West Africa, vegetable production systems are essential for food security, nutrition, and income generation, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. However, strong pest pressure has resulted in heavy reliance on chemical pesticides, often applied outside formal regulatory frameworks. This review synthesizes evidence on pesticide residues in these systems and their associated health and environmental risks. Results show widespread use of unregistered products, non-compliance with recommended doses and pre-harvest intervals, and limited knowledge of good agricultural practices. These shortcomings lead to persistent pesticide residues in vegetables, soils, irrigation water, and air, frequently exceeding maximum residue limits. Health risks include acute poisoning, neurological disorders, cancers, and reproductive effects, particularly among farmers, children, and pregnant women. Environmentally, residues reduce soil biodiversity, contaminate water resources, and threaten pollinators. Strengthening regulation, monitoring, and farmer training, alongside adoption of integrated pest management and biopesticides, is crucial for sustainable vegetable production in West Africa.