Survey of Plastic Use Practices in the Niayes Agricultural Area of Senegal

This survey was conducted on farms in the Niayes region of Senegal that specialise in vegetable cultivation. The study, which was based on a questionnaire and conducted with 578 farmers from September 22, 2023, to October 22, 2024, aimed to highlight the methods regarding the frequency of use and management of agricultural plastic materials. It also sought to assess the awareness of environmental and health risks among farmers in this region. The survey revealed that the majority of vegetable growers utilize plastic tools, primarily composed of thermoplastics. A review of the results indicates that the majority of farmers acknowledge that the use of plastic tools contributes to efficiency and yield enhancement. However, given their limited educational attainment, the implementation of training programs focused on the management, safety, awareness, and utilization of plastic materials could be beneficial for farmers in the Niayes region, maintaining sustainablitity and ecosystem balance.