Pesticides Use among Grain Merchants in Mubi Grain Markets of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Food security in sub-Saharan Africa largely depends upon improved food productivity through the use of sustainable agricultural practices and the reduction of post-harvest losses caused by pests and diseases. This study was conducted in two major grain markets in Mubi to study pest control practices by grain merchants. Fifty questionnaires were administered to randomly selected grain merchants and laborers through personal interviews from the two main markets between April and August, 2011. The responses of the respondents were recorded. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The result of the study shows that close to half (46%) of the respondents have: low level of education, while (30%) of them have no formal education. The result further shows that the respondents lack technical know-how on how to apply pesticides during grain storage period that ranged from 1-6 months; and the most commonly used insecticides were dichlorvos, permethrin and aluminium phosphate. The implications with respect to pesticide poisoning are food contaminants were discussed accordingly. It is, therefore, recommended that farmers, retailers, distributors and all the pesticide workers should undergo regular training/workshop on the use and safety measures of pesticides. Also multimedia awareness activities in local language should be massively conducted.

Key words: Pesticides, food security, grain merchants, storage, perception.