A geo-gender-based analysis of human health: The presence of cut flower farms can attenuate pesticide exposure in African communities, with women being the most vulnerable

Background: The rapid expansion of the cut flower industry in Africa has led
to pervasive use and potential exposure of pesticides, raising concerns for local communities. Whether the risks associated with pesticide applications are localised or have broader implications remains unclear.

Methods: We measured biomarkers of real and perceived pesticide exposure in
two Kenyan communities: Naivasha, where the cut flower industry is present,
and Mogotio, where the cut flower industry is absent. We measured real exposure by the percentage of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and perceived
exposure by assessing hair cortisol levels, a biomarker of stress. Additionally,
we conducted a demographic survey to evaluate the health and socioeconomic
status of participants, as well as their perceptions of pesticide risks associated
with the cut flower industry.

Results: Perceived pesticide exposure was more common in Naivasha (n=36,
56%) compared to Mogotio (n=0, 0%), according to community surveys. However, Mogotio residents had significantly higher mean hair cortisol levels (mean
(xˉ) = 790 ng/g, standard deviation (SD) = 233) and percentage of AChE inhibition (xˉ = 28.5%, SD= 7.3) compared to Naivasha residents, who had lower
mean hair cortisol levels (xˉ =548 ng/g, SD=187) and percentage of AChE inhibition (xˉ =14.5%, SD=10.1). Location (proximity to cut flower farms) and gender were significant factors influencing pesticide exposure, with individuals
living outside the cut flower industrial complexes being at higher risk. Women
in both communities were the most vulnerable demographic, showing significantly higher mean hair cortisol levels (xˉ =646 ng/g, SD=267.4) and percentage
of AChE inhibition (xˉ =22.5%, SD=12.4) compared to men hair cortisol levels (xˉ =558.2 ng/g, SD=208.2) and percentage of AChE inhibition (xˉ =10.4%,
SD=13.1).

Conclusions: A heightened awareness of the potential risks of pesticide exposure
was widespread within cut flower industrial complexes. This may have led to a reduction in exposure of both workers and non-workers living within or close
to these complexes. In contrast, communities living outside these complexes
showed higher levels of exposure, possibly due to limited chemical awareness
and a lack of precautionary measures. Despite this contrast between communities, women remained the most vulnerable members, likely due to their socioeconomic roles in African society. Monitoring women’s pesticide expos