Cornelia M van der Linde. 2003. An inventory of hazardous chemicals used by small-scale farmers - a contribution to safe handling practices

An inventory of hazardous chemicals used by small-scale farmers in Soshanguve, South Africa was undertaken. The types, volumes, use, storage and disposal practice of hazardous substances were surveyed. Structured interviews were conducted and frequency distribution analysis of fifty-five respondents was done. Large-scale loss of crops due to rat and insect infestation resulted in the use of hazardous chemicals with main active ingredient organo-phosphates, carbamate derivatives and a blood anti-coagulant. These chemicals are listed as neurotoxins and should be handled and disposed of according to prescriptive minimum requirements. Chemicals were stored inside dwellings but care was taken to keep hazardous materials away from food and out of reach of children. In most cases, hazardous and household wastes were mixed. Burning, burying, discarding in the fields and pouring down toilet facilities were other disposal methods. Inventories of small-scale farmer use of hazardous chemicals are in line with the need for authorities to set up national inventories to prioritize problem areas in the management of hazardous substances. Public-private collaboration between academia, the private sector and small-scale farmers need to be initiated to transfer information about appropriate technology and impart safe handling skills.