Farmer’s knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides on tomato production to ensure safety among consumers: A case study of Mvomero District, Morogoro

Abstract

Farmer’s knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides in vegetables production is very crucial for increasing productivity while reducing the associated health risks. However, knowledge and practices on the use of pesticides in tomatoes production is limited. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing knowledge and practices on proper use of pesticides in tomatoes production for appropriate interventions. A cross sectional study was done at Doma and Mlali wards in Mvomero district among 120 randomly selected tomato farmers who were face to face interviewed using a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using SPSS^TM version 20. Results showed that 100% of farmers used pesticides to control tomato pests and diseases of which 54% preferred Snow tiger (Chlorofenapyr) and Dudumetrin (Sumithrin). About 85% reported to be reading pesticide instructions before applying but 45.8% among them did not adhere to the instructions claiming the recommended dosage to be inefficient. About 57% harvest tomatoes after seven days while others harvest at any time when they get customers. Ninety two percent of the farmers know the effects of improper use of pesticides on health however; among them 20% are not sure of the specific health effects. Knowledge on health effects of improper use of pesticide was significantly associated with reading instructional labels (AOR 2.99, 95% CI: 1.06-3.95) after adjusting for education levels and attending trainings on pesticides use. Generally, there is low knowledge on proper use of pesticides in tomatoes production and their associated health effects which creates a need for educating farmers and the public on proper use of pesticides to safeguard the health of consumers.