International Journal of Food Safety and Public Health

International Journal of Food Safety and Public Health ISSN 2756-3693 Vol. 10 (5), pp. 001-010, May, 2023. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Perceptions and Knowledge of Smallholder Farmers towards Safe Pesticides Usage in Basoliben District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

James Omoto¹ and Kate F. Bankole²

¹Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Debre Markos Agricultural Research Center, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.

²Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

The issue of pesticide usage is a great public health concern. Thus, this research was initiated to assess perceptions and knowledge of wheat producer's farmers towards safe pesticide use in Basoliben district. To address the objectives of the study, a mixed research approach was employed; 302 respondents, mainly farmers, were selected using simple random sampling techniques. The study revealed that the majority of the participants had a positive perception on the importance of personal protective equipment, the health effect of storing pesticides in home and the health effect of pesticides to humans during weighing, mixing and spraying. Even though participants had positive perceptions about pesticides storage and importance of protective equipment; they had poor operational and safety practices. The information obtained from pesticide dealers on pesticide dose was also positive. However, participants had negative perception towards the effectiveness of manufacturers recommended doses. The study showed that farmers used lower doses for herbicide and higher doses for insecticides than the recommendation of manufacturers. The respondents claimed symptoms of excessive salivation, nausea, headache and body weakness after they completed the spraying operation. The result revealed that participants noticed a change in reduction of bees, pollinator insects and bird’s population during the last five years. Farmers had good knowledge on how pesticides can enter the body through the eye and nose. Majority of participants, however, did not possess adequate knowledge on how pesticides can enter the body through the skin. The study also showed that farmers did not have the required knowledge on the recommended dose of pesticide they should use. It is recommended that the regional and local government should focus on introducing affordable protective equipment and mandatory compliances by pesticide dealers on delivery and sale. Finally, farmers` self-recommendation doses must be regulated and demonstration plots should be established for practical training on the effectiveness of manufacturers` recommendations.

Keywords: East Gojjam; Environment; Knowledge; Perception; Pesticide; Safe use.