Determinants of Rural Children’s Knowledge of Hazards Associated with Farming in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Children in rural areas of Nigeria are known to be active participants in farming. This has been described as a socialization process. This study investigated the knowledge of rural children about hazards associated with farming and the determinants of their levels of knowledge. The safety gears available for their use on the farm were identified. Data were collected from four hundred and fifty eight (458) children aged between six and eighteen years. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to cover the four geopolitical zones in the state. Predominantly rural Local Government Areas (LGAs) were sampled. Pre-tested interview schedules were used to collect data on respondents personal and socio economic characteristics. The data were exposed to statistical analyses such as frequency distribution and correlation analyses. Results from the study showed that majority of rural children are aware of cut from tools insect bites and eye irritation from dusts and are rated as having moderate knowledge of hazards associated with farming (KHAF). Among the variables that significantly correlate with scores in KHAF at 0.05 level of significance are purpose of farming (r = 0.49) farm size (r = 0.44) sale of labour (r = 0.37) schooling status (r = 0.36) and ownership of personal farm (r = 0.33) among others. Emphasis on educational programme was suggested as essential to promoting the use of safety devices among rural children. (authors)