**Quality of Vegetables and Pests Control in African Urban Cities**

 Dembele Ardjouma1\*, Oumarou Badini2 and A. Abba Toure3 *1Laboratoire Central d'Agrochimie et d'Ecotoxicologie, 2International Research & Development, Washington State University, 3Département Environnement et Santé, Institut Pasteur,* 

*1,3Cote D'ivoire* 

*2USA* 

#### **1. Introduction**

12 Pesticides in the Modern World - Risks and Benefits

Zahm, H.S., Ward, M.H. & Blair, A. (1997). Pesticides and Cancer. *Occupational Medicine:* 

Zeissloff, E. (2001). Schadet imidacloprid den bienen (in German). URL:

*State of the Art Reviews* 12: 269-289.

*WWW.beekeeping.com.*

Urban farming or Urban gardening (Urban Agriculture) is the practice of farming in a city environment. This practice of food production takes place on rooftops, in backyards, in community gardens and in vacant public spaces in industrial countries (JOB S Ebenezer, 2010). In the industrialized world, urban farming largely disappeared in this century in spite of the recent development of the green roof movement, but in the developing world it has persisted and since the 1970's has shown signs of increase (Nelson., 1996). Today, in the developing world especially in African countries, more and more people are migrating from rural to urban settings adding to the increase in global population in urban cities. Such growing urbanization has increased the demand for quantity and quality food production and consumption in the cities. The contribution of urban agriculture to these cities has the potential to improve livelihoods and provide economic growth and stability to the population (Nugent, 1997; Garnett, 1996). Also, organic practices can be further promoted in urban agriculture by transforming nutrient rich waste from landfills into organic fertilizer and returning it to the land (Nancy Simovic, 1998).

In Côte d'Ivoire, migration from rural areas brings into the urban areas many persons with very little formal education. This may result in unemployment and under-employment of a sizable number of people. Urban agriculture may be a way to occupy the inner city youth, and new migrants.

Urban agriculture has the potential for creating micro-enterprises that can be owned and operated by the community members with little initial investment capital.

Horticulture is a vital economic sector for most African countries. Côte d'Ivoire fruits and vegetables export to EU (European Union) countries are estimated to over 360, 000 tons. In 2007, Burkina Faso exported more than 925, 000 tons of fresh green beans. In Mali tomatoes production was over 17,000 tons and okra reached 8,600 tons. Despite the economic potential, the horticultural sector including urban agriculture is confronted to pests' attacks and phytosanitary problems. It needs to comply with the pesticides regulations and the quality control (traceability) standards which are now required by most industrials and export countries. Hence, the importance of the present initiative to study the problematic of "The Quality of Vegetables and the Pests Control in African Urban Farming".

Quality of Vegetables and Pests Control in African Urban Cities 15

The Lettuce, *Lactuca sativa* **L. (Asteraceae or Compositaceae)** is the more consumed vegetable in the world. There are approximately 149 varieties worldwide (CHAUX C et al., 1994). There are two main classes of lettuce: non-head forming lettuces such as the " celtuce " or " lettuce - asparagus " and the head-forming lettuces such as the " Batavia " or " curly "

Seeds germination is normal between 0°C and 25°C, and sunlight plays a major role in the growth and the development process. Lettuce has a high water demand (E.J. RYDER et al, 1976), and grows well in different types of soils presenting a steady structure with good water holding capacity. In general, lettuce is a moderately heavy consumer of nutrients. Seedlings of lettuce are planted at 2 to 4 leaf-stage in well-prepared seedbeds (trays of earth) ploughed at depth and mixed to manure. The application of fertilizer (NPKS) is often necessary and must be incorporated in the soil before planting. The growth cycle is very variable (45 to 100 days) depending on the variety. Agrochemicals applications (insecticides and fungicides) on the lettuce cultures against the pest attacks are often done in the middle

The spinach, *Spinacia oleracea L*. **( Chénopodiaceae)**, is named " the prince of vegetables " (VERGNIAUD P. 1976). It is an annual plant generally cultivated as biennial in vegetable gardens (Photo 3). The plant develops initially, on a very short axis, a rosette constituted of fifteen (15) to twenty (20) leaves. These leaves are lengthily petiolate with full limb more or less blighted. Mineral fertilization (NPK) is often necessary according to expected yields. But the poultry's liquid manures and dejections abundantly brought are very largely sufficient to face exports of mineral elements. Watering must be sufficiently abundant to satisfy the water needs of the plant. The diseases and pest management of the plants must be carefully and frequently controlled (LAUMONNIER R., 1978). Also, weeding is very important and a thinning can be practiced in case of a very dense germination and seedlings. Spinach usually matures in 35 to 45 days. The plant may be harvested from the time there are 5-6 leaves on the plant right before the seed stalk develops (Photo 3). The phytosanitary protection of the plants intervenes in middle and

**2.1.1 The Lettuce,** *Lactuca sativa L* 

cabbage lettuce (Photo 2).

and end of cultural cycle.

Photo 2. Lettuce salad: *Lactuca sativa (*Batavia)

end of cycle (FABIEN SEIGNOBOS et al., 2000).

**2.1.2 The spinach,** *Spinacia oleracea L*

The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of pest on urban farming Lettuce, Spinach, and Turnip production, the application of agrochemicals for plant protection, and the quality of irrigation water. The specific objectives are (1) to evaluate the impact of agrochemicals application on plants' pests, (2) to determine their economic incidence, (3) to monitor irrigation water quality, and (4) to control some essential production factors which are indicators of a good standard quality production.
