Exploring Pesticide Knowledge, Practices, and Health Perceptions Among Farmers in Akkar, Lebanon

Background: The unregulated and widespread use of agricultural pesticides in Lebanon has led to critical health and environmental challenges. Small-scale farmers in Akkar, a key agricultural region, are particularly vulnerable due to limited knowledge, unsafe practices, and insufficient access to safety resources. Objectives: This study evaluates the knowledge, practices, and perceived health impacts of pesticide use among small-scale farmers in Akkar. It aims to identify gaps and provide targeted recommendations for interventions that enhance safety, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 151 farmers was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023 using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and Tukey’s HSD post hoc tests were used to assess knowledge and practice scores and identify predictors. Results: Farmers demonstrated moderate knowledge (mean score: 0.545) and practices (mean score: 0.607). However, environmental awareness was low, with only 9.3% recognizing water contamination risks. Alarmingly, 37.7% of farmers reported using no protective gear, while 67.5% experienced acute symptoms such as respiratory irritation and skin issues. Education was a significant predictor of knowledge ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study underscores the pressing need for tailored educational programs, accessible protective equipment, stricter regulatory frameworks, and environmental conservation strategies to reduce health risks and promote sustainable pesticide use.