Farmers’ perceptions of pesticide use on compound farms and pig population decline in the Upper West Region of Ghana: A one health perspective

Smallholder farmers in northern Ghana increasingly rely on pesticide use to manage compound farm productivity under worsening climatic stress. However, limited attention has been paid to the broader ecological and livestock health implications of such practices, particularly for pigs reared under free-range systems. Grounded in the One Health framework, this study investigated the relationship between pesticide application on compound farms and the self-reported decline in pig populations among smallholder households in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A mixed-methods design was employed, comprising a cross-sectional household survey (n = 517) and six focus group discussions (n = 42). Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the perceived drivers of pig population decline, then complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative data. The findings indicated a strong association between pesticide application and reported pig population decline (OR = 2.241, p < 0.001). The other significant drivers included farmer age, household size, wealth status, type of pesticide used, and livestock health training. The qualitative insights confirmed a widespread concern over pesticide exposure, pig mortality, and reproductive challenges linked to compound farm contamination. This study underscored the urgent need for integrated pesticide management and regulatory enforcement. Sustainable practices and farmer training are critical to mitigate the risks to animal and environmental health.