Farmers perception on pesticides usage and safety practices in Danko/Wasagu local government area Kebbi state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined farmer’s perception on pesticide usage and safety practices in Danko/Wasagu Local Government area of Kebbi State. Structured Questionnaires were used to obtain information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics comprising frequency distribution tables and percentages were used for Data Analysis. Likert scale was used to determine farmer’s perception on pesticides usage and precautionary measures employed when handling pesticides. The result of the study showed that majority of the respondents (90%) were male while female formed the minority in pesticide usage with only (10%). The study also showed that all the respondents (100%) were married and engaged in agricultural activities. The study further revealed that all the respondents never had any formal training on the use of pesticide from either governmental or non -governmental organizations. The research study also found out that all (100%) of the respondents were not aware of pesticide effects on man and environment. Likert Scale Analysis showed a positive perception by farmers on awareness of pesticide usage and safety practices. On perception of the respondents on the effect of pesticide on man and the environment, the study revealed that Nausea, Dizziness, Diarrhea, Respiratory Difficulty, Skin Irritation, Rashes, Fever, Peeling of the Skin, Vomiting, and Headache were the serious effects of pesticides on man. Majority the farmers (80%) do not employ precautionary measures when using pesticides. It is concluded that respondents had positive perception on pesticide usage and safety practices. It is therefore recommended that appropriate authorities should enforce the use of protective clothing, appropriate equipment and correct handling practices when using pesticides. Existing pesticide regulations and monitoring policies should be enforced. Government should also intensify efforts at registering and controlling distribution of pesticides and banning hazardous ones. It should also enforce the making of less toxic pesticides available to farmers.