Knowledge and attitude of Khat growing farmers on the safe use and handling of pesticides in Haromaya Wereda, Oromia Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

The awareness level of the farmers growing Khat regarding the safe use of pesticide was investigated in this study at Haromaya Wereda, Eastern Ethiopia. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, structured questionnaires, oral discussions, and field observations were organized with the farmers growing Khat on the safe use of pesticide. After the study sites were selected purposively, systematic random sampling of the target population was applied. The study result revealed that the farmers lack training on pesticide practices, and most of them use their own experience and consult their neighbours. The findings of the study further indicated that majority of the farmers do not believe that pesticides can be detected in the soil, fruit and leaves of tree, air, ground water and food. Nearly half of the farmers were aware of the harmful effects of using pesticide on insects and birds. The farmers have poor understanding of the effect of long term exposure to pesticides compared to short term exposure. The farmers' understanding of exposure to pesticides through respiratory system and mouth is relatively satisfactory compared to the dermal exposure. Over one third of the farmers had no knowledge of how to store pesticides in the right conditions. However, greater percentage strongly believes that pesticides should be kept out of the reach of children. Even though, majority of the respondents indicated that DDT was used on Khat, only few of them have knowledge of its illegal importation. The outcomes of the study confirmed the need of training on the safe use of pesticides to raise the awareness of the farmers and safeguard the health of the farmers and the environment.

Pattern and outcome of acute organophosphate poisoning at health facilities of Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia

“…Since children in this age range are unintentionally exposed to the poison, improper handling of the poison at home and elsewhere is evident. 19 The finding of this study is in contrary to the study conducted in Gondar, which found only one occurrence involving children under the age of 14 years. 15 Furthermore, 40% of this study participants were found in the age group of 11–20 years.…”

“… 8 A study conducted at Haramaya Woreda, which is one of the study areas of this study, reported poor knowledge and practice regarding the proper use, handling, and storage of pesticides among khat-growing farmers. 19 Similarly, another study conducted in Chiro, Eastern Ethiopia, identified low level of awareness regarding pesticide use in the community. 23…”

“…Most of the farmers in this region who grow khat use various pesticides, like malathion, to enhance productivity. 19 Consequently, there would be a high possibility for the interaction of pesticides with farmers. The widespread availability of OP-containing household and occupational products provides significant opportunities for suicidal attempts.…”

Impact of Khat Production and Marketing on the Livelihood of Smallholder Households in Ethiopia

“…Similarly, it has a low impact on neighboring/intercropped crops, stabilization of SWC structures, alternative on-farm activities for substantial returns, vulnerability to drought tolerance, and increasing national revenue generated from the crop, production rate and total population who depend on khat is skyrocketing in Ethiopia now [22].…”

Occupational Contact Dermatitis in Employees of Large-Scale Narcotic Crop Farms of Ethiopia: Prevalence and Risk Factors. A Self-Reported Study Using the Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire

“…16 Khat cultivators are increasingly employing pesticides to combat pests, insects, and diseases that have significant yield effects. 17 Some of the most common pesticides used by Khat growers include Malathion (diethyl(dimethoxy-thiophosphorylthio), Diatomaceous earth (silicon dioxide), Roundup (N(phosphonomethyl)glycine), DDT, Dacamine (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)), and Tricarnam (Carbaryl Propoxur). 6,16 Contact dermatitis, an irritating, inflammatory skin reaction to foreign materials, is one of the most prevalent occupational-related disorders among Khat farm workers, and because occupational dermatitis commonly affects the hands, low-wage employees may lose their ability to work and earn an income.…”