Pesticide safety compliance in Ghana’s mango farming: policy vs practice in the Yilo Krobo Municipality

Abstract Pests and diseases threaten mango production in Ghana, driving farmers to use pesticides as a critical adaptation strategy. However, the prevalence of unapproved pesticides raises concerns about environmental safety, food security and export compliance. This study examines mango farmers' capacity to identify approved pesticides in Ghana’s Yilo Krobo Municipality (YKM). According to the 2021 population and housing census report, YKM has a total population of 122,705 persons. A sample size of 17 was determined based on Guest et al.’s saturation threshold and Krejcie and Morgan’s method of representation. Stakeholders were purposively sampled across the mango value chain using the purposive sampling strategy for qualitative interviews comprising farmers, retailers, market women and consumers. Findings reveal that farmers rely on retailers for pesticide recommendations, with only one in five farmers aware of approved/unapproved distinctions. Challenges include illiteracy, inadequate verification tools and difficulty tracking registration renewals. Retailers, while better informed, struggle to confirm current approval status due to ambiguous regulatory communication. The study recommends practical solutions, such as barcode scanning systems, to enable real-time verification and strengthen compliance. These insights underscore the need for farmer education, technological integration and policy reforms to promote sustainable pesticide use in Ghana’s mango sector. Significance of the study What is already known on this subject? Prior research in Ghana and other developing nations indicates that pesticide application is a common pest management method in high-value crops. Although pesticides can enhance crop yields and minimise post-harvest losses, evidence shows that farmers often misuse them. Most existing studies in Ghana focus on cocoa farming, providing limited insights into mango cultivation While regulatory systems like the Environmental Protection Authority’s registration scheme are in place, weak post-registration oversight, limited farmer literacy and poor communication hamper effective enforcement. What are the new findings? This study reveals that in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, only 20% of mango farmers are aware of the distinction between approved and unapproved pesticides. Most farmers rely heavily on agrochemical retailers for recommendations, often without verifying regulatory approval or renewal status. Retailers themselves face challenges in confirming up-to-date approvals due to the lack of real-time verification tools. The study also highlights that while pesticides are indispensable for preventing severe pest damage, there is growing pest resistance and consumer concern over residue levels. A practical innovation proposed by both farmers and retailers is the introduction of barcode or mobile-based systems for instant verification of pesticide approval and renewal status. What is the expected impact on horticulture? By addressing the knowledge gaps and verification challenges identified, this study can inform policies and interventions that improve compliance with pesticide regulations in mango farming, an important component of Ghana’s horticulture sector. Implementing technological verification systems, enhancing farmer education and strengthening retailer accountability could reduce the circulation of unapproved pesticides, thereby safeguarding consumer health, protecting the environment and preserving the integrity of horticultural produce. Such measures would also enhance the competitiveness of Ghana’s mango exports by ensuring compliance with international safety standards, ultimately promoting sustainable horticultural production systems, strengthening food security and improving rural livelihoods.