Pesticide mixing at a citrus farm. Courtesy of the Pesticides Control Board of Belize

FAO study reveals upward trend in incidences of accidental pesticide poisoning among farmers and farm workers in Belize

The issue of pesticide poisoning among farmers and farm workers appears to be a growing area of concern in Belize that authorities are now seeking to address.

A recent study conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the University of Belize, revealed that there seemed to be a substantial increase in the cases of accidental pesticide poisoning in the year 2021, compared to the previous two years. These findings were presented during a workshop on Pesticide Poisoning among Farmers and Farm Workers in Belize held virtually on February 24, 2022.

The survey recorded incidences of accidental pesticide poisoning, over a three-year period, among 150 farmers and farm workers from the Cayo District, Toledo, Orange Walk, Stann Creek, Corazal and Belize District. Those from the Belize District reported their incidences of pesticide poisoning occurring outside of the district.

Over 80 stakeholders from the Pesticides Control Board, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the University of Belize, CARDI, pesticides importers and distributors and farmers met during the virtual workshop where they examined and discussed the report of the survey.

FAO Representative for Belize, Dr Crispim Moreira noted that the survey is one of the “efforts to address pesticide management in a holistic manner and to ensure that we are protecting human health whilst working towards a future that is food secure.”

Examining the incidences of pesticides poisoning

The report, presented by Dr Sherlene Enriquez-Savery of the University of Belize and FAO Project Coordinator Mr Michael Ramsay, highlighted several health problems with varying levels of severity as reported by the farmers and farm workers. In some cases, this was a result of the toxicity and improper mixing and application of pesticides, which led in many cases to skin irritations, itching, burns and headaches, while some victims experienced much more severe symptoms. Exposure to chemicals was mainly the result of inadequate use, negligence or availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Most persons affected by pesticides sought to self-medicate (even when the symptoms were severe) while very few others visited hospitals and clinics for professional medical attention.

Whilst exposure to pesticides can pose a serious health risk, the study revealed that this could be avoided by improving farmer education on the health impacts of pesticides, the proper use of these chemicals and the importance of PPEs. The participants agreed that there was an urgent need to influence behavior changes in farmers who opted out of wearing PPEs. 

Mr Mario Yarto from the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade spoke about the Convention as a vital multilateral agreement for information sharing on chemicals. Belize has been a Party to the convention since 2005. On this basis, he remarked that the meeting was an opportunity to support the Government of Belize in strengthening its decision-making capacity towards better pesticides management and improved protection of public health.  

Looking ahead

Several recommendations were put forward to aid in reducing the incidences of pesticide poisoning, including a review of the pesticides and their active ingredients identified by the survey as being a health problem, and addressing the knowledge, attitudes, and pesticide practices of farmers, farm workers and their employers.

Miriam Ochaeta-Serrut, Registrar for the Pesticides Control Board, highlighted that “these recommendations, supported by the data from the study, were essential in influencing policies in the country on pesticide management”. She added that the “restricting of certain pesticides and training on their use required additional regulatory action, more research to inform policy, increased industry stewardship, improved user responsibility, and overall behavioural change among pesticide users in Belize”.

She concluded that, “plans were already in place to move Belize towards more agro-ecological solutions for pest management. With increased inter-agency collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the data provided by the survey, the country could push for more evidence-based policies and legislation that chart a new era in pesticide management in Belize”. Submission of notifications of final regulatory action to the Rotterdam Convention may be expected in the coming months resulting from the survey.