A Senior Lecturer at the department of horticulture, Dr. Eli Afetsi Gaveh, has emphasized that greenhouse farming can be a safe and chemical-free method of crop production, if proper management protocols are followed.
His comments come in response to recent research highlighting health risks associated with pesticide exposure to greenhouses, including respiratory and skin issues among farm workers.
The study pointed to frequent pesticide applications in enclosed spaces as a major concern.
Dr. Gaveh believes these issues stem more from poor management than from greenhouse farming itself.
He explained that the core purpose of greenhouse structures is to prevent pest entry, significantly reducing the need for chemical interventions.
Properly managed greenhouses, he noted, can use as little as 10% of the chemicals required in open-field farming.
He also outlined key design features for success in tropical climates like Ghana, including adequate ventilation and high ceilings to control heat and humidity.
 Dr. Gaveh further advocated for integrated pest management (IPM) practices, localized treatments, and strict sanitation protocols to maintain healthy crop environments without synthetic chemicals.
Citing evidence from both research and field experience, he noted that greenhouse farms can achieve more than double the yields of open-field systems and are well suited for organic production.
As Ghana’s greenhouse sector grows, Dr. Gaveh calls for greater investment in farmer training, appropriate infrastructure, and adherence to best practices, rather than retreating from the technology over pesticide concerns.
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