No abstract

A survey was conducted in urban horticultural setting in Gaborone City, Botswana from 4 th to 31 st March 2010 by interviewing 56 farmworkers on their perception and knowledge of risks and hazards associated with exposure to pesticides. The study showed that most farmers relied heavily on pesticides and applied them without considering economic damage to crop. Most pesticides used are classified as extremely hazardous by the World Health Organisatopn (WHO). Majority of farmworkers were aware of health risks and environmental contamination associated with pesticides. The awareness of pesticide harm was significantly influenced by educational background, training on pesticide use and experience on vegetable production. While the percentage of educated and experienced workers was higher (> 50%), training from extension services was only 14% indicating the need for more training to maintain the awareness standard. The study needs to be done in other urban centres of Botswana to get countrywide information on farmworkers awareness of pesticide harm.

An analysis of vegetable and fruit production trends in Botswana was carried out focussing on 1997 to 2009 cropping years. For vegetable production the results showed an increase in yield and total production from 1997 to 2009. The area planted with vegetables accounted for only 3% of variation in yield indicating that the area planted with vegetables had no significant effect on yield during that period. The national demands for vegetables increased from 1997 to 2009, but imports started to decline in 2001. Regression analysis showed a significant decline in imports as total production increased. Total production accounted for more than 50% of variation in imports indicating that a significant proportion of national demand was met by local production. Total fruit production increased from 3000 to over 9000 tons from 2003 to 2008 but declined in 2009. Yield increased twofold from 2003 to 2005 but declined by more than 50% at the end of 2009. Regression analysis showed a significant decrease in yield as area planted increased; indicating a decrease in productivity. The national fruit production was surpassed by demand during 2003 to 2009 revealing a deficit in fruit production. The total imports of fruits declined significantly as total production increased suggesting that some of the demands for fruits were catered for by local production. These results suggest that famers need to be trained on good management of crops so that productivity can increase with increase in area planted to horticultural crops.

No abstract

Abstract-