By Dorothy Frances Ward, GNA
Kumasi, Sept. 15, GNA – For many rural farmers in Ghana, working on the farm is not only a means of livelihood but also a daily encounter with risks that can sometimes threaten their lives.
Snake bites are among the dangers confronting farmers, particularly for those who spend long hours working on farms, bushes and other areas where snakes are commonly found.
Farmers often move through tall grass, plantations, farmlands, woodlots and bushy areas while clearing land, planting crops, harvesting or transporting farm produce from one place to the other.
Such activities can bring them into close contact with snakes that may be hidden beneath leaves, stones, logs or piles of farm debris.
The fear of snake bites has therefore become a reality for some farmers, especially those who work in remote communities where access to health facilities is limited.
A farmer who encounters a snake during farm work may experience sudden fear and panic, particularly when the reptile appears unexpectedly from beneath vegetation.
For some farmers, the fear is not only about the immediate pain associated with a bite but also the possibility of serious complications or death if medical attention is delayed.
Snake bites can cause swelling, severe pain and tissue damage, while the venom of some snakes can affect the nervous system, blood clotting and other vital body functions.
The situation can become more worrying in rural communities where people may have to travel considerable distances before reaching a health facility capable of managing snake-bite cases.
Transportation difficulties can further worsen the situation, particularly when the incident occurs far from a major road or during the night.
Some farmers may also resort to traditional methods of treatment or seek assistance from people within their communities before going to a health facility.
Health professionals, however, continue to encourage people who are bitten by snakes to seek appropriate medical care as quickly as possible rather than relying on unproven remedies.
They also advise against cutting the bite wound, attempting to suck out venom or applying harmful substances to the affected area.
Miss Johana Abakah, a rural nurse at Tetrefu in the Ashanti Region said the victim should remain as calm and still as possible, limit movement of the affected limb and seek urgent medical attention.
She mentioned that snake bite victims report late at health facilities after they have tried home remedies and failed.
Where it is safe to do so, remembering or reporting the appearance of the snake can help health workers determine the appropriate treatment.
Farmers should, however, never attempt to catch or kill a snake after a bite because doing so could result in another bite.
Prevention remains one of the most important ways of reducing snake-bite incidents among farmers.
Farmers are encouraged to wear appropriate protective clothing, including boots and long trousers when working in areas with tall grass or thick vegetation.
They should also exercise caution when moving stones, logs, piles of leaves, firewood or other materials under which snakes may be hiding.
Using a stick to carefully inspect areas covered by thick vegetation before stepping forward can also help farmers identify potential danger.
Farmers working early in the morning or late in the evening should be particularly cautious because some snakes are more active during certain periods of the day.
They can be cunning and unassuming, and one cannot find where they are hiding to cause harm.
Keeping farms and surroundings reasonably clear of unnecessary bushes and piles of debris can also reduce places where snakes may hide.
People who reside in farmlands and close to farms must ensure that their compounds were clear from weeds.
Beyond individual precautions, there is a need for stronger community education on snake-bite prevention and first aid.
Community health workers, agricultural extension officers and local leaders can play an important role by educating farmers on how to avoid snake encounters and what to do when a bite occurs.
Rural health facilities should also be adequately prepared to provide prompt care to snake-bite victims, particularly in farming communities where such incidents are more likely to occur.
The availability of appropriate medicines and trained health personnel can make a significant difference in the outcome of snake-bite cases.
There is also a need to improve transportation and referral systems in remote farming communities so that victims can reach appropriate health facilities without unnecessary delays.
For farmers, the solution is not to abandon their farms because of the fear of snakes. Agriculture remains essential to household income, food production and the country’s economy.
Rather, farmers need the knowledge, protective equipment and health support necessary to carry out their activities more safely.
Families and community members should also understand that a snake-bite victim requires urgent attention and should not be stigmatized or blamed for the incident.
The fear of snake bites is real, but greater awareness and preparedness can help farmers respond to the danger more effectively.
The government must support farmers with protective outfits. Also, the health and safety of the people who work on farms must remain an important priority.
For rural farmers, every trip to the farm should therefore come with not only farming tools and equipment but also an awareness of the environment and the possible dangers it presents.
Snake bite victims must seek early medical intervention to avoid death.
There must be stronger community health education on snake bite to help reduce its disturbing impact and make farming safer for communities across the country.
Madam Abena Kyerewaa, a community health nurse at Sewuah Clinic, said victims of snake bites often report late and always need to be referred to bigger health facilities and this delays treatment and results in death.
She called for antidotes and more first aid for the treatment of this disturbing situation in rural communities.
GNA
Edited by Yussif Ibrahim/Benjamin Mensah
Writer: Dorothy Frances Ward
Writer’s email address: [email protected]