Nearly half of global farmers suffer pesticide poisoning each year, study shows

A recent analysis published in Frontiers in Public Health finds that acute pesticide poisoning afflicts between 402 and 433 million farmers and farmworkers worldwide each year, which is about 46% of the global agricultural labor force. Global pesticide consumption has risen sharply, doubling since 1990 to 3.8 million tonnes in 2023, despite two decades of attempts to curb its harms. The study highlights southern Asia as the most affected region, followed by Southeast Asia and East Africa, with Burkina Faso reporting the highest national poisoning rate at nearly 84%.

Europe stands out as the sole major region with a decline in pesticide use, attributed to stringent regulatory measures, yet non-fatal poisoning remains a significant burden, especially in Southern Europe where the rate reaches 32%. Researchers call for stronger monitoring, better training for pesticide handlers, and accelerated implementation of the UN target to eliminate highly hazardous pesticides by 2035, noting that under-reporting and data gaps hinder effective action.