As we celebrate Nane Nane, to honor farmers contribution to the economy, a question we need to ask is are our farmers healthy? The agriculture sector accounts for half of the national economy. According to the World Bank, employment is agriculture sector in Tanzania was 66.9% in 2014.
However, this sector experiences that highest rates of deaths and injuries and is considered to be one of the most hazardous occupations worldwide. Exposure to pesticides and other agrochemicals constitutes a major occupation may result in poisoning and death and, in certain cases, work related cancer and reproductive impairments. Malnutrition, malaria, food borne illnesses, HIV/AIDS, chronic diseases, livestock related diseases and occupational ill-health are key problem areas.
According to ILO, the most frequent hazards in agriculture are related to:
- Machinery such as tractors, trucks and harvesters, and cutting and piercing tools;
- Hazardous chemicals: pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics and other veterinarian products
- Toxic or allergenic agents: plants, flowers, dusts, animal waste, oils;
- Cancer causing agents or substances: certain pesticides and herbicides
- Transmitted animal diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases;
- Confined spaces such as silos, pits, cellars and tanks;
- Noise and vibration;
- Ergonomic hazards: use of inadequate equipment and tools, unnatural body position or prolonged static postures, carrying heavy loads, repetitive work, excessive long hours
- Extreme temperatures and weather conditions
- Contact with poisonous insects, spiders, scorpions, snakes and certain wild animals.
This sector is also female intensive, where women comprise 54% – majority of the labor force. Exposure to poor working conditions have serious repercussions on pregnancy. The risk of miscarriages, premature deliveries and spontaneous abortions has directly been linked to exposure to pesticides. Carrying heavy loads can cause serious disorders such as chronic back pain, chest pain and miscarriages.
Agriculture and health is linked in many ways. Poor health of farmers reduces work performance, reduces income and productivity and perpetuates a downward spiral into ill-health. Agriculture is essential for good health and is an important source of livelihood