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Occupational Safety Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Farmers in Northern Nigeria during Pesticide Application—A Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher Nwadike

    (Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos 930253, Nigeria)

  • Victoria Ibukun Joshua

    (Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Jos 930253, Nigeria)

  • Paulina J. S. Doka

    (Department of Public Health, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe 760251, Nigeria)

  • Rahaf Ajaj

    (College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates)

  • Ummu Abubakar Hashidu

    (Department of Occupational Safety and Health Development, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja P. M.B. 04, Nigeria)

  • Sajoh Gwary-Moda

    (Department of Works and Services, Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe 760233, Nigeria)

  • Mela Danjin

    (Department of Public Health, College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe 760251, Nigeria)

  • Haruna Musa Moda

    (Department of Health Professions, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BG, UK)

Abstract

Pesticides are known human and environmental toxicants, with an estimated 3 million cases of pesticide poisoning happening every year globally, resulting in more than 250,000 deaths. According to the existing literature, different pesticides groups are readily used among farmers in Nigeria. With recent developments around commercial farming, crop damage from pests, etc., this has led to higher consumption of pesticides among the farming community. The lack of product knowledge and safety awareness among this group further exposes them to the effects of pesticides. The study aims to measure Northern Nigerian farmers’ safety knowledge, awareness, and practices related to pesticide application. A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was adopted to generate responses from 524 farmers across the north-central and northeastern region of the country. Farmers’ attitudes towards pesticide use were driven by high crop yield, as 35.4% strongly agree that pesticide use is indispensable for high crop yield. The frequent use of empty pesticide containers for other secondary uses on the farm or at home, as confirmed by 30.6% of the participants, also presents safety and health concerns. Farmers’ age ( p > 0.038) influenced pesticide containers use for other secondary purposes. In contrast, education attainment ( p < 0.001) significantly influenced the use of pesticide containers for other farm or domestic uses. Farmers’ safety behaviours are influenced by socioeconomic factors, including educational level, age, and years of farm practice experience. The study concludes on the need to develop an approach that will help strengthen capacity-building programmes and enhance knowledge base initiatives around the adoption of non-synthetic pesticides.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Nwadike & Victoria Ibukun Joshua & Paulina J. S. Doka & Rahaf Ajaj & Ummu Abubakar Hashidu & Sajoh Gwary-Moda & Mela Danjin & Haruna Musa Moda, 2021. "Occupational Safety Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Farmers in Northern Nigeria during Pesticide Application—A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-13, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:18:p:10107-:d:632319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Olurominiyi O. Ibitayo, 2006. "Egyptian Farmers' Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Agricultural Pesticides: Implications for Pesticide Risk Communication," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 26(4), pages 989-995, August.
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    3. Alain Garrigou & Catherine Laurent & Aurélie Berthet & Claudio Colosio & Nathalie Jas & Véronique Daubas-Letourneux & José Marçal & Jackson Filho & Jean-Noël Jouzel & Onil Samuel & Isabelle Baldi & Pi, 2020. "Critical review of the role of PPE in the prevention of risks related to agricultural pesticide use," Post-Print hal-02959828, HAL.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Haruna Musa Moda & Daniel Mensah Anang & Newton Moses & Felix Mandoli Manjo & Victoria Ibukun Joshua & Nwadike Christopher & Paulina Doka & Mela Danjin, 2022. "Pesticide Safety Awareness among Rural Farmers in Dadinkowa, Gombe State, Nigeria," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-10, October.
    2. Birtukan Atinkut Asmare & Bernhard Freyer & Jim Bingen, 2022. "Pesticide Use Practices among Female Headed Households in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-26, November.
    3. Rahaf Ajaj & Suzan Shahin & Haruna Moda & Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali, 2023. "Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Face Mask Use among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-13, February.
    4. Lailafitri Handayani & Gatot Yudoko & Liane Okdinawati, 2024. "Towards a Closed-Loop Supply Chain: Assessing Current Practices in Empty Pesticide Container Management in Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-23, September.
    5. Andreia Moreira & Manuela Vieira da Silva, 2024. "Analysis of Health Effects Reported by Agricultural Workers and the Adverse Human Effects Indicated on Pesticide Labels: A Systematic Review," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-17, September.
    6. Arsene Mushagalusa Balasha & Aganze Mulume Dominique & Weremubi Mwisha Sage & Sharufa Mukonde Shadya & Janvier Zirhumana Mugisho, 2023. "Pesticide Choice and Use Patterns Among Vegetable Farmers on Idjwi Island, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, December.

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