In recent years, safe pesticide management has become increasingly important. Thus the research was aimed to evaluate the current state of pesticide management practices and farmers knowledge. The study deployed a multistage sampling technique to select participant districts and the respondents. About 268 sample respondents were drawn from six districts of East Gojjam zone. The results revealed that the majority of the farmers (69.45%) store their pesticides in their houses that they perceive anybody can’t be reached. Farmers were found to have poor practices of using face masks, overalls, goggles, and gloves. Farmers frequently engaged in good practices of washing and calibrating spraying machines. Around 57.22%, 41.9%, and 38.9% of farmers visit their freshly sprayed fields within 24 hours of spraying insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, respectively without using personal protective equipment. Farmers demonstrated proficiency in several hygienic practices including taking a bath, changing clothes, and washing cloths immediately after spraying. Participant farmers experienced various health symptoms after spraying pesticides. The majority of the farmers were cognizant on exposure routs of pesticides. However, they didn't understand the intended pictogram messages from pesticide containers. The study demonstrated that improper pesticide management had an impact on both the environment and farmers' health. Thus, there is a need to improve farmers' knowledge and skills by offering regular awareness-raising training on safe pesticide management techniques.
Published in | Journal of Health and Environmental Research (Volume 10, Issue 4) |
DOI | 10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13 |
Page(s) | 102-113 |
Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group |
East Gojjam, Health Symptoms, Knowledge, Pesticides, Practices, Safe Use
[1] | FAO. (2020). Pesticides use, pesticides trade and pesticides indicators Global, regional and country trends, 1990–2020. FAOSTAT Analytical Brief 46. Rome, Italy. |
[2] | Mahmood, I., Ruqia, I., Shazadi, K., Gul, A. & Rehman, H. (2016). Effects of Pesticides on Environment. Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016. |
[3] | Matthews, G. (2006). Pesticides: health, safety and the environment. John Wiley & Sons. |
[4] | SARKAR, S., DIAS, J., BERNARDES, G., KEELEY, J., MÖHRING & JANSEN K. (2021) The use of pesticides in developing countries and their impact on health and the right to food. European Union, 2021. |
[5] | UNEP. (2022). Synthesis Report on the Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticides and Fertilizers and Ways to Minimize Them. Job No: DTI/2427/GE. |
[6] | Tudi Muyesaier, Li Hairong, Li Hongying, Wang Li, Lyu Jia, Yang Linsheng, Tong Shuangmei, Jimmy Yu Qiming, Daniel Ruan Huada, Atabila Albert, Tri Phung Dung, Sadler Ross and Connell Des. (2022). Exposure Routes and Health Risks Associated with Pesticide Application. Toxics 2022, 10(35). |
[7] | Sanford, C., Sabapathy, D., Morrison, H. & Gaudreau, K. (2015). Pesticides and Human Health. Prince Edward Island, Canada. |
[8] | ILO. (1991). Safety and health in the use of agrochemicals: A guide. An ILO contribution to the International Program on Chemical Safety (a collaborative program of the United Nations Environment Program, the International Labor Organization and the World Health Organization), Geneva. |
[9] | CCOHS. (2023). Pesticides - Health Effects. Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. |
[10] | Mengistie, B. (2016). Environmental governance of pesticides in Ethiopian vegetable and cut flower production (Doctoral dissertation, Wageningen University). |
[11] | Setotaw, F., Getachew, A., Aemiro, K., Tesfahun, A. & Chilot Y. (2020). Farming Systems Characterization and Analysis in East Gojjam Zone: Implications for research and development (R&D) interventions. Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. |
[12] | Yawson David Oscar. (2022). Pesticide Use Culture among Food Crop Farmers: Implications for Subtle Exposure and Management in Barbados. Agriculture 2022, 12, 288. |
[13] | Ndayambaje, B., Amuguni, H., Coffin-Schmitt, J., Sibo, N., Ntawubizi, M. & VanWormer, E. (2019). Pesticide Application Practices and Knowledge among Small-Scale Local Rice Growers and Communities in Rwanda: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 4770; |
[14] | Agmas, B. & Adugna, M. (2020). Attitudes and practices of farmers with regard to pesticide use in NorthWest Ethiopia. Taylor & Francis Online. |
[15] | Mequanint, C., Getachew, B., Mindaye, Y., Eyachew, D., Guadu, T. & Dagne, H. (2019). Practice towards pesticide handling, storage and its associated factors among farmers working in irrigations in Gondar town, Ethiopia, 2019. BMC Research Notes. |
[16] | Alshalati Lana MHD Jamal. (2021). Limited Knowledge and Unsafe Practices in Usage of Pesticides and The Associated Toxicity Symptoms among Farmers in Tullo and Finchawa Rural Kebeles, Hawassa City, Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. |
[17] | FAO & WHO. (2020). International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management Guidelines for personal protection when handling and applying pesticides. Rome, 2020. |
[18] | Demi, Suleyman M., and Sicchia, Suzanne, R. (2021). Agrochemicals Use Practices and Health Challenges of Smallholder Farmers in Ghana. Environmental Health Insights Volume 15: 1–11 2021. |
[19] | Khadda, Z., Fagroud, M., El Karmoudi, Y., Ezrari, S., Berni, I., De Broe, M., Behl, T., Gabriela, B. & Sqalli, H. (2021). Farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Regarding Carcinogenic Pesticides in Fez Meknes Region (Morocco). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 10879. |
[20] | Mergia, M., Weldemariam, E., Eklo, O. & Yimer, G. (2021). Small-scale Farmer Pesticide Knowledge and Practice and Impacts on the Environment and Human Health in Ethiopia. Journal of Health & Pollution Vol. 11(30) — June 2021. |
[21] |
Brewer International. (2023). The Importance of Calibration for Pesticide Application.
https://brewerint.com/news-insights/101-guides/the-importance-of-calibrationforpesticide-application/ Accessed on 06 July 2023. |
[22] | Adamu, A., & Abebe, W. (2020). Practices and challenges of wheat producer farmers on safe pesticide use in Basoliben district, East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences 21(2022) 43–5 |
[23] | Gadissa, A., Damene, S. & Teklu, B. (2022). Environmental implications of pesticide use and application practice on beekeeping: Evidence from Gudeya Bila Woreda of East Wollega Zone in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Afr. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. Vol. 16(7), pp. 275-285, July 2022. |
[24] | Okonya, J., Petsakos, A., Suarez, V., Nduwayezu, A., Kantungeko, D., Blomme, G., Legg, J. & Kroschel, J. (2019). Pesticide Use Practices in Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops by Smallholder Farmers in Rwanda and Burundi. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 400; |
[25] | Bauer Erin. (2011). Fumigation for the Commercial/Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator (Category 11) third edition. The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. |
[26] | PAN Asia Pacific. (2019). Highly Hazardous Pesticide Use and Impacts in Asia: The Need for Legally Binding Protocols Beyond 2020. Open-ended Working Group of the International Conference on Chemicals Management Third meeting Montevideo, 2–4 April 2019. |
[27] | Afata, T., Mekonen, S., Shekelifa, M. & Tucho, G. (2022). Prevalence of Pesticide Use and Occupational Exposure Among Small-Scale Farmers in Western Ethiopia. Environmental Health Insights Volume 16: 1–11. |
[28] | Endalew, M., Gebrehiwot, M. & Dessie, A. (2022). Pesticide Use Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Practices Associated Factors Among Floriculture Workers in Bahirdar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2020. Environmental Health Insights Volume 16: 1–10. |
[29] | Alebachew, F., Azage, M., Kassie, G., & Chanie, M. (2023). Pesticide use safety practices and associated factors among farmers in Fogera district wetland areas, south Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia. PLoS ONE 18(1): e0280185. |
[30] | Kangkhetkron, T. & Juntarawijit, C. (2021). Factors Influencing Practice of Pesticide Use and Acute Health Symptoms among Farmers in Nakhon Sawan, Thailand. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18, 8803. |
[31] | Insect Pollinators Initiative. 2015. Living With Environmental Change. Policy and Practice Notes: Note No. 16. Polaris House, North Star Avenue Swindon, Wiltshire SN2 1EU United Kingdom. |
[32] | Terziev, V. & Petkova, G. (2019). THE PESTICIDES TOXIC IMPACT ON THE HUMAN HEALTH CONDITION AND THE ECOSYSTEM. IJASOS- International E-Journal of Advances in Social Sciences, Vol. V(15), |
[33] | Sisodia Menka. (2020). GREEN REVOLUTION: AN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT. International Journal of Life Sciences Research. Vol. 8(4), pp: (46-50). |
[34] | Michael, K., Boatemaa, A., Moses, K., Salifu, S. & Richard, K. (2022). Assessment of pesticide exposure risks among cocoa farmers in Western region of Ghana. International Journal of Pest Management. |
APA Style
Adamu, A., Assaye, A. (2024). Practices and Knowledge of Smallholder Farmers Towards Safe Pesticide Management in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Journal of Health and Environmental Research, 10(4), 102-113. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13
ACS Style
Adamu, A.; Assaye, A. Practices and Knowledge of Smallholder Farmers Towards Safe Pesticide Management in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. J. Health Environ. Res. 2024, 10(4), 102-113. doi: 10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13
@article{10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13, author = {Abebaw Adamu and Anduamlak Assaye}, title = {Practices and Knowledge of Smallholder Farmers Towards Safe Pesticide Management in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia }, journal = {Journal of Health and Environmental Research}, volume = {10}, number = {4}, pages = {102-113}, doi = {10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13}, url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13}, eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jher.20241004.13}, abstract = {In recent years, safe pesticide management has become increasingly important. Thus the research was aimed to evaluate the current state of pesticide management practices and farmers knowledge. The study deployed a multistage sampling technique to select participant districts and the respondents. About 268 sample respondents were drawn from six districts of East Gojjam zone. The results revealed that the majority of the farmers (69.45%) store their pesticides in their houses that they perceive anybody can’t be reached. Farmers were found to have poor practices of using face masks, overalls, goggles, and gloves. Farmers frequently engaged in good practices of washing and calibrating spraying machines. Around 57.22%, 41.9%, and 38.9% of farmers visit their freshly sprayed fields within 24 hours of spraying insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, respectively without using personal protective equipment. Farmers demonstrated proficiency in several hygienic practices including taking a bath, changing clothes, and washing cloths immediately after spraying. Participant farmers experienced various health symptoms after spraying pesticides. The majority of the farmers were cognizant on exposure routs of pesticides. However, they didn't understand the intended pictogram messages from pesticide containers. The study demonstrated that improper pesticide management had an impact on both the environment and farmers' health. Thus, there is a need to improve farmers' knowledge and skills by offering regular awareness-raising training on safe pesticide management techniques. }, year = {2024} }
TY - JOUR T1 - Practices and Knowledge of Smallholder Farmers Towards Safe Pesticide Management in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia AU - Abebaw Adamu AU - Anduamlak Assaye Y1 - 2024/11/26 PY - 2024 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13 DO - 10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13 T2 - Journal of Health and Environmental Research JF - Journal of Health and Environmental Research JO - Journal of Health and Environmental Research SP - 102 EP - 113 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2472-3592 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jher.20241004.13 AB - In recent years, safe pesticide management has become increasingly important. Thus the research was aimed to evaluate the current state of pesticide management practices and farmers knowledge. The study deployed a multistage sampling technique to select participant districts and the respondents. About 268 sample respondents were drawn from six districts of East Gojjam zone. The results revealed that the majority of the farmers (69.45%) store their pesticides in their houses that they perceive anybody can’t be reached. Farmers were found to have poor practices of using face masks, overalls, goggles, and gloves. Farmers frequently engaged in good practices of washing and calibrating spraying machines. Around 57.22%, 41.9%, and 38.9% of farmers visit their freshly sprayed fields within 24 hours of spraying insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, respectively without using personal protective equipment. Farmers demonstrated proficiency in several hygienic practices including taking a bath, changing clothes, and washing cloths immediately after spraying. Participant farmers experienced various health symptoms after spraying pesticides. The majority of the farmers were cognizant on exposure routs of pesticides. However, they didn't understand the intended pictogram messages from pesticide containers. The study demonstrated that improper pesticide management had an impact on both the environment and farmers' health. Thus, there is a need to improve farmers' knowledge and skills by offering regular awareness-raising training on safe pesticide management techniques. VL - 10 IS - 4 ER -