Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 10.1 The Niayes area of Dakar: Main soil types
surrounding ecosystem. Options for minimizing the health impacts of the
various practices that damage the ecosystem are available, but not adequately
implemented. These practices include such interventions as wastewater
treatment, various irrigation techniques or integrated pest management (IPM).
The doctoral research reported here complements research on wastewater
treatment and ecosystem health effects undertaken by an interdisciplinary
team of Senegalese researchers from the University of Dakar. It aims to
demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of a process of participatory
education and action research (PEAR) in response to the challenge of
environmental degradation experienced by a group of farmers in Pikine,
Dakar.
The chapter begins with a brief description of the theoretical
underpinnings of eco-health as well as PEAR frameworks. The introduction
of key objectives is followed by a brief overview of the methods used. The
section focusing on results highlights three areas: farmers' perceptions and
practices in relation to environmental problems and health risks; the PEAR
process; and preliminary impacts of this process. In the Conclusions section,
we allude to the contributions of this research and suggest future research
directions.
