Djamilou Gabèye

PhD topic: Environmental and health risks related to the use of pesticides on off-season irrigated crops in the Goulbi Maradi Valley, Niger

Summary: Irrigated crops represent a viable option for combating poverty and food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to optimise yields, pesticides are systematically used, which, however, represent a potential source of human and environmental contamination. The Goulbi Maradi Valley is the main area of irrigated crop production in the Maradi region of Niger, where pesticides are intensively used. This study aims to assess the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide use on off-season irrigated crops in the Goulbi Marardi Valley. A survey of 692 producers aged 16 to 83 in the communes of Djiratawa, Maradi 3, and Tibiri, and a multi-residue analysis by HPLC of samples of soil, irrigation water, vegetables, and fish collected were carried out. The use of 16 active substances was revealed, two of which are banned by the Sahelian Pesticides Committee (CSP) and classified as "very dangerous" by the WHO, namely dichlorvos and paraquat dichloride. In addition, 79.8% of producers had not received training on pesticides, and 77.9% had inappropriate phytosanitary practices due to non-compliance with good agricultural practices (GAP), which represents a real risk to human health and the environment. It was found that age, experience, level of education and pesticide training are factors that significantly influence farmers' plant protection practices. Analysis of 12 pesticide residues revealed variability in concentrations depending on the site and matrix considered, with the maximum residue limit sometimes being exceeded. Risk analysis showed hazard quotients and hazard indices exceeding unity (HQ >1, HI >1) depending on the site, pesticide, and route of exposure, indicating proven pollution of this wetland area. In order to limit the risks associated with pesticide use, protect the environment, and ensure sustainable production of irrigated crops, it seems necessary to strengthen producers' capacities through training and awareness-raising sessions on pesticides, particularly in the current context of the large-scale irrigation programme aimed at revolutionising agriculture in Niger. In addition, seasonal and annual pesticide monitoring is necessary for a more in-depth study in the Goulbi Maradi valley.

Supervisor(s) name(s): Pr. Tankari Dan Badjo Abdourahamane (1st), Dr. Martin Wiehle (2nd) 

Area of interest: Environmental protection

Educational background: 

• 2017: Master of Science in Environmental Protection at Abdou Moumouni University (UAM)
• 2013: Bachelor of Science in Agronomy at Abdou Moumouni University (UAM)

Professional experience: 

• 2019-2021: Substitute Teacher at ESIMAD Academy School; Modules taught: Plant protection, Dendrometry, Fish systematic, Special Agriculture, Irrigation.
• 2018-2020: National Civic Service as Research assistant at Department of Soils sciences at the Faculty of Agronomy of Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey.

Publications: 

• Article sumitted: "Diagnosis of pesticide use practices on off-season irrigated crops in Goulbi Maradi Valley, Niger"

Awards/scholaships: 2014-2015 UEMOA Excellence Scholarship awards in the frame of Msc studies.

Primary research keywords: Contamination,  hazard quotient, HPLC, irrigation, pesticide residues, phytosanitary practices

Email address:djamilougabeye[at]gmail[dot]com