Awareness Session on the Dangers of Pesticides in Thieudeme SARR (commune de Diender, Region de Thiès Senegal)

On Wednesday, June 23, 2026, Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Africa organized an awareness session for farmers in Thieudème SARR on the impacts of pesticides and safe, sustainable alternatives. This activity is part of the project: "Highly Hazardous Pesticides in West Africa: Situation Analysis, Regulation, and Possibilities for Elimination and Replacement with Safe and Sustainable Alternatives."

The session opened with prayers led by the Imam, followed by words of welcome and thanks to the participants from PAN Africa's Regional Coordinator, Ndeye Maïmouna DIENE, as well as from Mr. Abdoulaye DIOUF, facilitator in charge of supporting the establishment of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) in the area. Next, Mr. Ibra GNING, Project Officer at PAN Africa, presented the day's agenda before inviting participants to introduce themselves in a round-table.

Following this opening step, three (3) presentations were delivered. The first, given by PAN Africa's Regional Coordinator, focused on the project itself. Ms. Ndeye Maïmouna DIENE gave a brief overview of the project's main components, including its objectives, planned activities, and expected results.

She then led a second presentation on highly hazardous pesticides and their health and environmental impacts. She presented data on pesticide poisoning cases around the world, the different categories of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides), the main routes of exposure (skin contact, inhalation, ingestion, and eye contact), and both the acute and chronic health effects. Special attention was given to the most vulnerable groups — pregnant women, fetuses, infants, and children — who can be exposed during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or through food. The presentation also highlighted the risks of chronic illness, including certain cancers, neurological disorders, and developmental problems in children.

On the environmental side, participants were made aware of the consequences of pesticide misuse, including water and soil pollution, air contamination, and the destruction of biodiversity, particularly aquatic wildlife. The speakers stressed the importance of following good pesticide-handling practices, especially the systematic use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and protective suits.

The third presentation, given by Mr. Ibra GNING, covered agroecological alternatives and experiences gained through the Farmer Field Schools. He showed that it is possible to gradually reduce — or even eliminate — the use of chemical pesticides through sustainable farming practices that maintain good production levels while protecting both producers' health and the environment.

The session was marked by particularly rich exchanges between the speakers and participants. Several farmers, both men and women, shared their experiences and concerns regarding pesticide use. Poisoning cases within families were reported, including symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and headaches following spraying operations. Women highlighted their high level of exposure to pesticides, particularly when washing contaminated clothing or taking part in treatments without adequate protective equipment. Other participants drew attention to certain risky practices, such as using pesticides to eliminate lice in children or storing pesticide containers inside homes.

Farmers also raised several concerns regarding ways to reduce the risks associated with pesticide use, available alternative solutions, precautions to protect family members, and how to access personal protective equipment. PAN Africa's team addressed these questions by presenting proven agroecological alternatives and reiterating good practices to limit health and environmental risks.

Participants praised the quality of the presentations and expressed their wish to see this type of awareness-raising continue, in order to provide lasting support to communities in moving toward healthier, more environmentally friendly agriculture.

The session closed in a warm, convivial atmosphere with a group photo bringing together participants, local authorities, and the PAN Africa team — a testament to their shared commitment to reducing pesticide-related risks and promoting sustainable agricultural alternatives.