INSECTICIDES AND PESTICIDES IMAGES DRIVER

Insecticide resistance in malaria vectors is predominantly attributed to exposure of mosquitoes to public health insecticides.

INSECTICIDES AND PESTICIDES IMAGES DRIVER

Insecticide-resistance by mosquito populations to the limited number of insecticides approved for vector control has been implicated as the key driver of persistent malaria transmission. The effectiveness of these interventions is being compromised by the increased geographical spread of insecticide in the targeted mosquito populations. The control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases relies primarily on insecticide-based interventions, such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). The study also highlights the need for an integrated approach, including coordinated education on pesticide use, to improve the overall management of insecticide resistance in both agricultural and public health sectors.

This study emphasizes the need for improving awareness among retailers and farmers on proper usage and management of pesticides. Similarities of active ingredients used in agriculture and malaria vector control, poor pesticide management practices and low-levels of awareness among farmers and pesticides retailers might enhance the selection of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. One-third of the farmers disposed of their pesticide leftovers (30.0%, n = 128) and most farmers discarded empty pesticide containers into rivers or nearby bushes (55.7%, n = 238). Overall, 93.7% (400) farmers practised pesticides mixing in their farms, often in close proximity to water sources. Most of the farmers (54.4%, n = 316) relied on instructions from pesticides dealers. Although both retailers and farmers had at least primary-level education and recognized pesticides by their trade names, they lacked knowledge on pest control or proper usage of these pesticides.

The herbicide glyphosate (amino-phosphonates) (59.0%), and the fungicides dithiocarbamate and acylalanine (54.5%), and organochlorine (27.3%) were also readily available in the agrovet shops and widely used by farmers. Lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin (both pyrethroids) and imidacloprids (neonicotinoids) were the most common agricultural insecticides sold to farmers. Concurrently, field observations were done to validate the results. Interviews to assess general knowledge and practices regarding agricultural pesticides were performed with 17 retailers and 30 farmers, followed by a survey involving 427 farmers. First, a survey to characterize pesticide stocks was conducted in agricultural and veterinary (agrovet) retail stores. MethodsĪn exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was employed. This study explored the types and usage of agricultural pesticides, and awareness and management practices among retailers and farmers in Ulanga and Kilombero districts in south-eastern Tanzania, where Anopheles mosquitoes are resistant to pyrethroids. Unfortunately, strategies for managing insecticide resistance in agriculture and public health sectors lack integration.

Unrestricted use of pesticides in agriculture is likely to increase insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors.

Insecticides and pesticides images