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Background.Agrochemicals are used by farmers in Southeast Nigeria to increase crop yields and food production. However, farmers are often illiterate and do not follow precautions for their usage and application, increasing the risk of exposures to humans and the environment.Objectives.The aim of the present study was to determine the extent of the use of agrochemicals by farmers, category or type used, ability to read instructions, exposure to agrochemicals during application and perception of the health effects of exposure to agrochemicals in Southeast Nigeria.Methods.From February–June 2017, a total of 200 farmers were surveyed using oral interviews and structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Respondents were asked about items such as socioeconomic characteristics, types and amounts of fertilizers and pesticides used, exposure during application and perceptions of the health effects of exposure to agrochemicals.Results.In the present study, the majority of farmers (74%) used inorganic fertilizers (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK)) and 26% used organic fertilizers (compost manure). Most of the farmers in the present study (65%) reported that they could not read agrochemical application instructions, 92% of farmers were exposed to agrochemicals during application, and most farmers (73%) reported falling sick after exposure to agrochemicals.Conclusions.We recommend that agricultural extension agents provide farmers with comprehensive training in agrochemical use to ensure their health and lower environmental risks.Participant Consent.ObtainedEthics Approval.The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, NsukkaCompeting Interests.The author declares no competing financial interests

Background.Five hundred milliliter bags of water, referred to as ‘sachet water,’ are widely used in Liberia, as they are low cost, safe sources of clean drinking water for the population.Objectives.This study aims to determine sources of drinking water in the study area, the rate of sachet water use, empty sachet water disposal methods and environmental problems associated with sachet water waste disposal.Methods.Using a simple random sampling technique, 257 respondents were interviewed between April and June 2018 using structured questionnaires. On a five-point Likert scale with a mean score of 3 as the cutoff point, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results.The paper found that sachet water (mean (M)=4.37) is an essential source of drinking water in Liberia with a daily consumption rate of at least 6 bags of sachet water per individual. Affordability, availability, and safety were named by respondents as reasons for their consumption of sachet water. Improper disposal methods practiced by the residents of Liberia included ground littering (M=3.42) and burning (M=3.03).Conclusions.Sachet water consumption has contributed to environmental issues such as drainage system clogs, littering of the environment, the death of terrestrial and aquatic animals due to plastic waste consumption, reduction of oxygen for aquatic life and soil infertility. We recommend the creation of policies and enforcement of sachet water production to include reuse and recycling of sachet water by-products as a requirement for licensing of producers, provision of adequate waste bins and the use of public education campaigns to educate residents on environmental best practices.Ethics Approval.This study was approved by the Institute for Population Studies, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia.Informed Consent.ObtainedCompeting Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

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