Farmers’ Perception towards Agricultural Pesticides and Associated Human Health Impact in Misrak Badawacho Woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract

Pesticides are applied to control weeds and insect infestation in agricultural fields and various pests and disease carriers. As the modes of action for pesticides are not species-specific, concerns have been raised about risks associated with their exposure through various routes. The main objective of this study was to assess farmers’ perception towards agricultural pesticides and associated human health impact in Misrak Badawacho Woreda, Ethiopia. Community-based cross-sectional study was used to assess farmers’ perception towards agricultural pesticides and associated human health impact. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20. Descriptive statistics were used during this study. About 361 study subjects completed the questionnaires. Among the studies subjects (81%) of them were males and 19% were females. The results showed that commonly applied pesticides comprised of herbicides (55%), fungicides (28%), Veterinary control (14%) and insecticides (3%). About 54% of the farm workers were used normal clothe, 17% were used boots,11% were used eye glass, 8% were used handkerchief, 3% were used mask and 2% were used Cotton during pesticide application. From total study subjects 38% do not follow instructions during pesticide application and 55% reuse pesticide containers for storing food and water in the home. Majority (93%) reported that they had suffered from pesticide-related health signs and symptoms during or after application of pesticides. Itching and skin irritation was the common symptom (74%) followed by headache (68%) during pesticide application. Generally the Farm workers had poor handling practices during pesticide application. Therefore continuous pesticide training programs for workers could be implemented.