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

Abstract

The issue of safe pesticide use is great public health concern. Thus, this research was initiated to assess perceptions and knowledge of wheat producer farmers towards safe pesticide use in Basoliben district. To address the objectives of the study, mixed research approach was employed; and 302 respondent farmers were selected using simple random sampling technique. The study revealed that majority of participant farmers had positive perception on the importance of personal protective equipment, the health effect of storing pesticides in home, the health effect of pesticides to human during weighing, mixing and spraying. Even though, participants had positive perception 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 dose. The study showed that farmers used lower dose for herbicide and higher dose for insecticides than the recommendation of manufacturers. Among participant farmers; 72.39% claimed symptom of excessive salivation followed by 58.59% nausea, 57.24% headache and 39.06% body weakness after they completed spraying operation. The result revealed that participants noticed a change in reduction of bees 96.03%, pollinator insects 86.42% and bird's population 79.8% during the last five years. Farmers had good knowledge on pesticide can enter to body via eye and nose. Majority of participants didn't have knowledge on pesticide can enter to body through skin. The study also showed that farmers didn't have knowledge on the recommended dose of every pesticide they use. It is recommended that the regional and the local government should focus on introducing affordable protective equipment and mandatory obligation by pesticide dealers on delivery and sale. Furthermore, farmers`self-recommendation dose must be regulated; and demonstration plots should be established for practical training on the effectiveness of manufacturers`recommendation.