Occupational Pesticide Exposure Risks and Gendered Experiences Among Women in Horticultural Farms in Northern...

Over the past decades, women's participation in horticulture has become increasingly apparent across Africa. Women perform physically demanding agricultural work on family farms, as hired laborers, or as paid workers on other farms. To increase yield and protect crops, pesticides are used, yet the health risks faced by these women remain under-researched. This qualitative exploratory case study conducted in 2023, in four villages in northern Tanzania, explored pesticide exposure risks, gender roles, and awareness among women working on horticultural farms. Data were collected through four focus group discussions with 46 women (mean age, 39 years; mean work experience, 10 years). Data was transcribed and thematically analyzed. Six themes emerged: gender division of labor, limited training and awareness, adverse health effects, unsafe storage and disposal practices, inadequate protective measures, and resilience. Although pesticide spraying was typically performed by men, poor or unmarried women also undertook this task. Women had limited access to training on safe pesticide handling, and protective gear was rarely used. Despite awareness of potential health risks, economic necessity and prevailing gender norms compelled continued exposure. Gender-sensitive interventions including targeted occupational health education and promotion of safer agricultural practices are urgently needed to reduce pesticide-related health effects among women.