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Despite the fact that several cases of unsafe pesticide use among farmers in different parts of Africa have been documented, there is limited evidence regarding which specific interventions are effective in reducing pesticide exposure and associated risks to human health and ecology. The overall goal of the African Pesticide Intervention Project (APsent) study is to better understand ongoing research and public health activities related to interventions in Africa through the implementation of suitable target-specific situations or use contexts. A systematic review of the scientific literature on pesticide intervention studies with a focus on Africa was conducted. This was followed by a qualitative survey among stakeholders involved in pesticide research or management in the African region to learn about barriers to and promoters of successful interventions. The project was concluded with an international workshop in November 2021, where a broad range of topics relevant to occupational and environmental health risks were discussed such as acute poisoning, street pesticides, switching to alternatives, or disposal of empty pesticide containers. Key areas of improvement identified were training on pesticide usage techniques, research on the effectiveness of interventions targeted at exposure reduction and/or behavioral changes, awareness raising, implementation of adequate policies, and enforcement of regulations and processes.

Abstract Striga hermonthica is fast spreading in the Nigerian savanna and is predicted to encroach into the rainforest part of the country soon. S. hermonthica seedbanks in savanna soils have continued to rise due to poor agronomic practices by smallholder farmers. Considering differences in soil, climate, and agronomic practices within the savanna endemic agroecology, the severity of the infestation of S. hermonthica has varied from one location to another. Hence, there is a need to model a site-specific management approach for S. hermonthica in Nigeria. This review aims to understand the state-of-the-art management of S. hermonthica in Nigeria’s upland rice fields and further harmonize potential management approaches. Based on studies conducted in Nigeria, reducing S. hermonthica parasitism over a long-term period in the Savanna ecology of Nigeria implies the rotation of upland rice with trap crops, and enhancement of nitrogen fertility in farmers’ fields, combined with the use of seed-treated resistant or tolerant cultivars. In practical terms, farmer’s-research engagement in the long term is pertinent to reduce the severity of S. hermonthica in threatened areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]