Study on the rate of pesticide use in market gardening to promote more sustainable and healthier farming practices in the Médéa region, Algeria

This study was carried out in the region of Médéa with the aim of finding out the rate of pesticide use in market garden crops, which are widely consumed by people in Médéa. In fact, this work aims to raise awareness among all pesticide sellers, farmers and consumers to minimise as far as possible the use and consumption of products treated with pesticides because they are very harmful to human, animal and environmental health in the short and long term. To this end, a survey of 49 farmers was carried out in the field on 30 farms in eight major stations, namely Tablat, Bouchrahile, Chahbounia, Suaghi, Sidi naamane, Beni sliman, Sidi rabie and Si mahjoub, using an appropriate questionnaire. The results of this study show that the majority of farmers report the presence of fungal diseases, in particular scab and mildew. In addition, there were parasitic pests such as aphids, mites and caterpillars, unlike weeds, whose presence depended on the farm. Farmers also use pesticides incorrectly, failing to observe the safety period and not wearing protective equipment when applying these substances. Pesticide sellers, farmers and consumers also suffer from a number of illnesses, including cancer (various types), skin diseases, eye diseases, stomach pains and coughs.