Socio-anthropological study on the uses and perceptions of chemical products (Synthetic phytosanitary products and antibiotics) used in agriculture and animal husbandry in the Velingara department of Senegal

Abstract

This article deals with the uses and perceptions of synthetic phytosanitary products and antibiotics used in agriculture and animal husbandry in the Vélingara département. It aims to understand and analyze, on the basis of a socio-anthropological study, the behaviors and perceptions of the population and the competent services concerning the chemical products used in the communes of Linkéring, Paroumba, Pakour and Ouassadou, their modes of use and the risks they pose to users. The results of the research show that there is a lack of compliance with recommendations on the use of pesticides and antibiotics, often acquired through parallel supply circuits and uncontrolled areassuch as the religious site of Médina Gounass. This use appears to be a practice imposed by the Société de Développement et des Fibres Textiles (SODEFITEX), through the cultivation of cotton. This heavy use of products is leading to the emergence of new forms of human, animal and environmental diseases.