Pesticides usage and handling practices by peasant farmers in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey to appraise handling practices, attitude and ill –health symptoms associated with pesticides usages and their adverse effects in the field was conducted in 2016 in Maiduguri metropolitan and environs. The surveyed area was zoned into seven (7) namely, Bolori, Bulumkutu, Gamboru custom, Gwange, Mairi, University of Maiduguri campus and Wulari. Data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire administered to 120 cross section of peasant farmers, using purposive sampling method. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distribution and percentages). The study revealed that majority of the farmers (83.33%) were within the age of 30 years and above, 31.67% of the farmers had attained tertiary education level; 86.67% of them were involved in handling pesticides over the duration of 2-30 years, and 69.17% used partial personal protection equipment during pesticides applications. Herbicides and insecticides were the most commonly used pesticides. Some of the farmers (47.50%) indiscriminately disposed the pesticides container after use. About 52% of the respondents observed that the efficacy of the pesticides applied has been decreasing. Most of the respondents (65.83%) used agrochemicals for domestic purpose with 68.34% storing the chemicals indoors. Majority of the respondents (84%) have reported to have suffered from one ill- health symptoms associated with poor pesticides handling. The study showed that apart from the effect of chemicals on targeted pests in the field and storage, disposal of pesticide containers, alternatives use and storage of pesticides among the respondents could constitute hazard for household members, hence the need for intensification of awareness for proper handling of pesticides through public enlightenment to enhance safety.