Analysis of Cowpea Farmers’ Awareness on Pesticide Usage and Safety Measures in Magumeri Local Government Area, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study analysed the awareness of cowpea farmers on pesticide use and safety measures in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria. A total of 86 cowpea farmers were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that majority (74.4%) of the respondents do not read instructions on the pesticide label before applying to their cowpea farm. The least (27.3%) who read, do not comprehend the information on the label. About 34% of the respondents neither contact extension officers nor others for clarification and usage. The results further revealed that majority (81.4%) of the respondents were not aware of the negative impacts on human’s health, 90.7% of the respondents were also not aware of the effects of excessive usage on agricultural produce and 74.4% of the respondents were not aware either of the effect of the pesticides on land and the environment. About 49.0% of the respondents adopted no protective measures, 59.2% of respondents do not take bath after pesticide application. The findings further revealed that majority (82.6%) do not read the producer guide before pesticide application. The study deduced that majority of the cowpea farmers lack awareness on pesticides toxicity, application procedure and good management practice. The study therefore recommends that farmers should be educated and be encouraged to comply with precautions regarding pesticides usage and safety measures when handling pesticides for sustainable land use and productivity.