The Impact of Pesticide Exposure on Farmers in Rwanda

Farmers in Rwanda rely on pesticides to protect their crops; however, limited regulations, safety measures, and access to proper training increase the risk of harmful exposure. This study aims to explore the known health impacts of pesticide exposure for farmers in Rwanda, focusing on commonly used pesticides (profenofos, cypermethrin, mancozeb, malathion, and permethrin) and ways people are being exposed to them. Data was collected through government reports from the Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, research articles from PubMed and Google Scholar, material safety data sheets, and databases such as the Toxin and Toxin Target Database (T3DB) and the National Pesticide Information Center. Based on a literature review, using databases, and consulting with experts, the findings demonstrate that farmers experience acute and chronic health effects from pesticide exposure through mixing, handling, and applying pesticides. Acute effects include dizziness, nausea, respiratory issues, and skin irritation, while chronic exposure has been linked to neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, and increased risk of cancer. This research highlights that limited safety knowledge, weak regulations, and frequent pesticide use contribute to health risks for Rwandan farmworkers, presenting a need for advocacy to protect them from harmful exposure.