Safe Use Of Pesticides Research Articles

Potential adverse outcome pathway (AOP) of emamectin benzoate mediated cardiovascular toxicity in zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio)

Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is an efficient insecticide which widely used as an anthelmintic drug additive in aquaculture fish. However, its extensive use has resulted in widespread pollution in the aquatic environment. Previous studies have identified the potential developmental and neurotoxic effects of EMB, however, systematic studies pertaining to the cardiovascular toxic effects of EMB on fish are scarce. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to EMB at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg/L for 3 days, aiming to investigate the cardiovascular toxic effects of EMB via examining morphology, cardiac function, and vascular development phenotypes. It revealed that EMB exposure led to marked deteriorated effects, including adverse effects on mortality, hatching rate, and general morphological traits, such as malformation, heart rate, body length, and eye area, in zebrafish embryos/larvae. Furthermore, EMB exposure resulted in abnormal cardiac function and vascular development, triggering neutrophil migration and aggregation toward the pericardial and dorsal vascular regions, and finalized apoptosis in the zebrafish heart region, these phenomena were further deciperred by the transcriptome analysis that the Toll-like receptor pathway, P53 pathway, and apoptotic pathway were significantly affected by EMB exposure. Moreover, the molecular docking and aspirin anti-inflammatory rescue assays indicated that TLR2 and TLR4 might be the potential targets of EMB. Taken together, our study provides preliminary evidence that EMB may induce apoptosis by affecting inflammatory signaling pathways and eventually lead to abnormal cardiovascular development in zebrafish. This study provides a simple toxicological AOP framework for safe pesticide use and management strategies.

Review on Post-Harvest Grain Treatments (Filter Cake, Triplex Powders and Eucalyptus Tree Powder)

Grains are harvested seed and edible dry seeds from plants cereals. They are the basis of daily diets for many populations worldwide. In addition, they are fundamental in the regular foods of many people and used for the production of different popular food. Grain losses due to insect pests in sub-Saharan Africa especially in Ethiopia are very high. Therefore, to get those daily diets and reduce loss occurred by insects, treatment of grain is very important. The objective of this review is to review studies made by various researchers and reviewers on grain treatments (filter cakes, triplex and powder eucalyptus tree leaves). Application of chemical pesticides is important to protect stored grain from insect pests. However, most of smallholder farmers challenged with many problems related to unsafe handling and use of pesticides due to improper training in safe use of pesticides, and inadequate infrastructure to regulate safe use of pesticides. Filter cake and Triplex powders applied to different grains to determine effectiveness against the grains. Filter cake is products of aluminum sulfate and Triplex is products of soap factories. Defense of stored grain from insect pests using Filter cake, Triplex powders and eucalyptus leaves tree has been practiced in Ethiopia. Filter cake and Triplex have a higher atomic percentage of silicon and oxygen in the form of silicon dioxide. Generally, grain treatment is very important through filter cake and triplex as well as by using eucalyptus tree powder, due to they have properties of toxic against insects and no health problems on humans. Therefore, Filter cake Triplex and eucalyptus leave recommended for protecting and managing grain stored by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia to discourage farmers from using dangerous chemical insecticides.

Cambodian rice farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding insect pest management and pesticide use

ABSTRACTInsect pests are a serious problem for rice farmers in Cambodia, threatening livelihoods and food security. To protect their yields, farmers are dependent on broad-spectrum pesticides, which has led to a pesticide ‘lock-in’ scenario. Our study aimed to better understand farmers’ current pest management practices and the underlying knowledge and attitudes driving these behaviours. We surveyed rice farming households (n = 168) from five different villages in Battambang Province, Cambodia. Survey respondents considered insect pests to be the most significant cause of yield loss. Respondents depended solely on chemical insecticides to manage insect pests. Combinations of agronomic and pesticide application practices contributed to pesticide dependency, including high seeding rate, insecticide timing and application rate. Additionally, 77% of respondents misidentified the beneficial lady beetle, Micraspis discolor, as a pest. Respondents indicated a desire for education and training on pest and beneficial arthropod identification, safe pesticide use, and improved cropping practices. We suggest critical areas for education and training are damage thresholds of local pests, the role of natural enemies, and improved awareness of pesticide toxicity and exposure. Promoting local knowledge sharing to engage and empower farmers to make informed decisions about their own pest management can forge a pathway away from pesticide dependency.

Modeling Pesticide Use Behavior Among Farmers in the Upper East Region of Ghana: An Empirical Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

This study examined the pesticide use behavior of farmers along the White Volta Basin in the Upper East Region of Ghana, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explore the underlying factors. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 300 food crop farmers, from whom data was collected and analyzed using the frequency, percentage, means, standard deviation and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) techniques. The results revealed that attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control compositely accounted for approximately 29% of the variation in farmers’ intention towards the safe use of pesticides, whereas intention and perceived behavioral control explained 38% of the variation in farmers’ behavior towards safe pesticide use. Additionally, attitude and perceived behavioral control were found to significantly impact the intention and behavior of farmers towards safe pesticide use in the study area. Accordingly, it is recommended that stakeholders, including agricultural extension agents (AEAs), agricultural input retailers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), collaborate to develop training curricula aimed at improving the behavior of the farmers in the study area. The training regimes should incorporate extension training methods, for example, method and result demonstrations, which are known to improve the attitudes and behaviors of farmers.

How to reduce pesticide exposure in farmers: An interventional study.

Pesticide poisoning is a serious public health problem. The aim was to investigate the effect of safe pesticide application training given to farmers on their behaviors towards compliance with protective measures. In this interventional study, the target population was 9750 farmers living in Turkey. To achieve a study power of 95%, type I error and the effect size were assumed as 5% and 0.50 respectively. In the study, 61 farmers were selected using the systematic sampling method. Farmers were interviewed twice, before and after the training, and at each interview, they were asked questions about their pesticide use-related behaviors in the last four sprayings. In the analysis, the paired t-test, repeated measures of ANOVA (post hoc: Bonferroni) were used. The scores the participants obtained from the Pesticide Exposure Prevention Behavior Form which questions their compliance with protective measures taken during pesticide applications at the post-interview were significantly higher than were the scores they obtained at the pre-interview (P < 0.001). The analysis of the independent variables demonstrated that the scores obtained from the Pesticide Exposure Prevention Behavior Form at the post-interview were significantly different from those obtained at the pre-interview in almost all of the subgroups in terms of their sociodemographic characteristics. It was observed that the training given to the farmers on the safe use of pesticides encouraged the farmers to develop positive behavioral changes. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing ongoing health education programs for farmers.

Impact of ICT-based pest information services on tomato pest management practices in the Central Highlands of Kenya

Pests are a major threat to tomato producers globally, owing to the substantial yield losses, low-quality produce, and low profitability that they cause. Integrated pest management (IPM) has been promoted as a sustainable, effective, safe, and environmentally friendly approach to manage pests. However, many tomato farmers in low- and medium-income countries still rely exclusively on synthetic pesticides. Moreover, many farmers rarely observe pre-harvest intervals (PHI) after applying pesticides, owing to lack of accurate and timely information on IPM and safe use of pesticides. Information and communication technologies (ICT) could bridge the information gaps on pests and their management and have been deployed in disseminating varied information to farmers worldwide. However, the effect of ICT on pest management practices has not been adequately evaluated. This study applies the propensity score matching (PSM) method to assess the impact of ICT-based pest information services (IBPIS) on the adoption of IPM and observance of PHI, using data collected from 170 Kenyan tomato farmers in 2021. The results show that 48.2% of the farmers adopted at least one IBPIS. Adoption of IPM was at 51.2% of the sample and significantly higher among adopters of IBPIS (64.6%) than non-adopters (38.6%). About 49% of the farmers observed PHI. Further, adopting IBPIS increased the number of pest control methods used by farmers by 22.8%, the proportion of farmers adopting IPM by 21.2%, and the observance of PHI by 61.7%. The study recommends that farmer advisory services incorporate multiple ICT tools to deliver pest information to farmers.

Pesticide Use Practice and Associated Factors Among Rural Community of Malga District, Sidama Regional State, South Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, like that of the other developing countries, pesticides are widely used for a variety of purposes, but their unsafe use causes a major environmental and health hazard. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide use practice and its associated factors among the rural community of Malga district, Sidama region, southern Ethiopia. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2021 at Malga District. Data were collected from 549 farmers by a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was used for the data analysis. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association between safe practices of pesticide use and several related factors. Safe practice of pesticide use was observed in 193 (35.2%). The participants who had primary education [AOR = 5.605, 95% CI: 3.309, 9.495], secondary education and above [AOR = 9.847, 95% CI: 5.007, 19.368], used pesticide for 10 years and above [AOR = 6.790, 95% CI: 3.589, 12.843], used pesticide between 6 and 10 years [AOR = 1.913, 95% CI: 1.166, 3.141] pesticide bought from any shop [AOR = 2.320, 95% CI: 1.364, 3.947], agricultural office [AOR = 7.187, 95% CI: 3.654, 14.137] were associated with safe use of pesticides. The safe practice of pesticide use was low in the study area. Continuous training programs should be implemented on the safe practice of pesticide use to the local farmers.

Assessment of farmers’ knowledge and practices adopted for the safe use of pesticides in Jammu

Assessment of farmers’ knowledge and practices adopted for the safe use of pesticides in Jammu

Review Article Utilization Of Pesticides In Vegetable Farming In Sub-Saharan Africa: Prospects And Challenges

Introduction: The use of pesticides in vegetable farming has become increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. Pesticides are commonly used to control pests, diseases and weeds and can lead to significant increases in crop yield and quality. However, overuse or misuse of pesticides can lead to negative impacts on human health and the environment. High cost of pesticides and limited access to information and training on safe pesticide use are major challenges faced by farmers in the region. This article provides an overview of pesticide utilization in vegetable farming and highlights recommendations for an integrated approach to promote the safe and sustainable use of pesticides. Objective:&nbsp; The goal of this paper is to review the utilization of pesticides in vegetable farming in Sub-Saharan Africa aimed at informing policy decision on pesticide utilization Method: A concise and comprehensive review was carried out with the aid of online research journal websites such as science direct, research gate, sci-hub, PubMed and google scholar. A total of 10 reviewed and published articles were used to generate this research paper. Results: The most common pesticides used in vegetable farming in sub-Saharan Africa are insecticides (44%), herbicides (33%), and fungicides (23%). Most pesticide residue concentrations are below 500mg/kg body weight, which can cause dangerous health effects. Conclusion: In conclusion, the use of pesticides in agriculture has both benefits and risks. Pesticides can help to increase crop yields and provide food security, but their use can also have negative impacts on the environment, wildlife, and human health.

Determination of Physical-chemical Parameters in Bee Products: A Preliminary Investigation from Africa’s Most Renewed Bee Village in Tanzania

Aim: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the determination of physical-chemical parameters in bee products: a preliminary investigation from Africa’s most renewed bee village in Tanzania; specifically, the study presents preliminary findings of an inquiry that examined pesticide contamination in bee products from Kijiji cha Nyuki located in Tanzania. The study measured the levels of physical-chemical parameters in honey products harvested from the selected bee apiaries.&#x0D; Material and Methods: A mixed methods approach was adopted for this study and collected data both primary and secondary data were collected using physical observation and survey, interviews, and questionnaires, purposive and random sampling techniques were used in this study to select a total of 104 participants who was taken as a sample from universal populations. Qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Computer Programme version 25, where the statistics aspect was determined from the results obtained from both questionnaires and laboratory experiments. A preliminary investigation from Africa’s most renewed bee village in Tanzania; Collected samples were analyzed at TBS &amp; SGS laboratories.&#x0D; Results: The results show all studied areas met honey quality assurance guidelines stipulated by the ministry of natural resources and tourism suggesting moisture content in honey should not exceed 21%. pH test showed honey sample from Egypt apiaries had higher pH of 4.3 and honey from Kijiji cha Nyuki had a low pH of 3.54 implying honey from the studied areas falls within the pH applicable range. Test of Hydroxylmethly furfural mg/kg discovered an average of 13.65 mg/kg in honey samples from 4 studied areas out of the 5, with 107.13 mg/kg of HMF in honey samples from Egypt. Suggesting that honey samples from the 4 study areas with exception of samples from Egypt met the TZS 851:2006 standards and national’s guidelines of 40mg/kg Hydroxylmethly furfural. Finally, the Test of total reducing sugar as inverted sugar % m/m, from five samples as per Tanzania Bureau of Statistics (TBS) laboratory results found a maximum of 68.91 % m/m and 64.4 % m/m minimum. The amount of physical-mechanical contaminations that were identified in honey from 4 areas with the exemption of samples from Egypt apiaries poses no risk to consumers.&#x0D; Contribution to Policy Implication: This study recommends interventions among farmers and beekeepers on the safe use of pesticides, good hygienic handling, and the storage practices. It has contributed to the understanding of how the regulations outlining the use of insecticides is being implemented, and the current economic condition of studied farms. This calls on policymakers to rethink ways of engaging the beekeepers, and to have an ongoing discussion with beekeepers and concerned stakeholders about a model that could be used to enhance pesticides regulation in Tanzania.

Toxicological and hygienic requirements when working with pesticides in agriculture

Intensive use of pesticides in Russia puts forward the task of identifying ways to prevent their adverse effects on the health of workers. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the safety requirements when working with pesticides in agriculture from a toxicological and hygienic standpoint. An analytical study was performed. Research materials documents regulating the use of pesticides, scientific publications, data from own research. The safety of pesticides for those working with them is based on numerous toxicological and hygienic studies carried out at the stage of registration tests. According to the results of toxicological studies, including the establishment of toxicity parameters for acute inhalation, dermal and oral intake, subacute and chronic exposure, in accordance with the hygienic classification of pesticides by degree of danger, a hazard class is established, which determines the possibility, scale, technology of the use of pesticides on the territory of the Russian Federation. Particular attention is paid to the study of sensitizing effects, irritating effects on the skin and mucous membranes, as well as possible manifestations of long-term effects (teratogenic, embryotoxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic). The severity of carcinogenic and mutagenic effects determines the restriction of the use of pesticides, up to a complete ban. Hygienic regulation of the content of active substances of pesticides is carried out taking into account the hazard class and toxicity parameters. A prerequisite for the safe use of pesticides is the establishment of hygienic standards in almost all environments. The last stage of the study is an assessment of the risk to workers when using each pesticide in real conditions of agricultural production and regulation of use. Conclusion. Safety requirements for those working with pesticides when applied using various technologies in agricultural conditions are determined taking into account the hazard class of pesticides and the equipment used. The application of the method of assessing the risk of exposure to pesticides at the stage of registration tests guarantees the exclusion from circulation in Russia of drugs that pose a real danger to a working person. The minimum risk of exposure to pesticides on workers is ensured by compliance with all safety requirements and application regulations.

Effects of Risk Perception of Pests and Diseases on Tea Famers' Green Control Techniques Adoption.

Green control techniques support the concept of green plant protection, advocate for the safe and reasonable use of pesticides, and finally achieve the goal of controlling pests and diseases and protecting the environment. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of risk perception of pests and diseases on farmers’ usage intention of green control techniques. Based on 747 samples of tea farmers in Sichuan province, China, introducing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework and using the Partial Least Square–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, this paper found that risk perception has a negative impact on behavioral intention. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence can positively affect behavioral intention, and facilitating conditions can also positively influence usage behavior. Moreover, the mediating analysis indicated that the higher the risk perception is, the less performance expectancy of green control techniques and the weaker the behavioral intention. Meanwhile, risk perception also plays a mediating effect on the relationship between effort expectancy and behavioral intention. This study could help to provide references for policymaking to improve the adoption of green control techniques.

Perceptions and Knowledge of Smallholder Farmers towards Safe Pesticide Use in Basoliben District, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

The issue of safe pesticide use is great public health concern. Thus, this research was initiated to assess perceptions and knowledge of wheat producer farmers towards safe pesticide use in Basoliben district. To address the objectives of the study, mixed research approach was employed; and 302 respondent farmers were selected using simple random sampling technique. The study revealed that majority of participant farmers had positive perception on the importance of personal protective equipment, the health effect of storing pesticides in home, the health effect of pesticides to human during weighing, mixing and spraying. Even though, participants had positive perception about pesticides storage and importance of protective equipment; they had poor operational and safety practices. The information obtained from pesticide dealers on pesticide dose was also positive. However, participants had negative perception towards the effectiveness of manufacturers recommended dose. The study showed that farmers used lower dose for herbicide and higher dose for insecticides than the recommendation of manufacturers. Among participant farmers; 72.39% claimed symptom of excessive salivation followed by 58.59% nausea, 57.24% headache and 39.06% body weakness after they completed spraying operation. The result revealed that participants noticed a change in reduction of bees 96.03%, pollinator insects 86.42% and bird’s population 79.8% during the last five years. Farmers had good knowledge on pesticide can enter to body via eye and nose. Majority of participants didn’t have knowledge on pesticide can enter to body through skin. The study also showed that farmers didn’t have knowledge on the recommended dose of every pesticide they use. It is recommended that the regional and the local government should focus on introducing affordable protective equipment and mandatory obligation by pesticide dealers on delivery and sale. Furthermore, farmers` self-recommendation dose must be regulated; and demonstration plots should be established for practical training on the effectiveness of manufacturers` recommendation. Keywords: East Gojjam; Environment; knowledge; perception; pesticide; safe use DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-13-01 Publication date: July 31 st 2022

Study of the remote effect of a new technical product — benzoyl urea derivative class

Introduction. The study of the remote effects (embryotoxicity, teratogenicity and reproductive toxicity) of new technical products on the mammalian body is the scientific basis for the safe use of pesticides. The purpose of the study is to study the effect of a new technical product of the benzoyl urea class on the development of remote effects in warm-blooded animals (rats). Material and methods. The evaluation of embryotoxic and teratogenic effects was carried out on laboratory animals (rats, males and females). Doses were studied: 0, 1/5000, 1/2500 and 1/1250 LD50. Each group of females consisted of 15 animals with a body weight of 230-240 g at the beginning of the study. The technical product was administered orally to female rats daily during 6-20 days of pregnancy. Fertilization of females with intact males was carried out in a ratio of 2 : 1. Reproductive toxicity was studied on two generations of rats (males; 10 individuals per group and females; 20 individuals per group) at doses of 0, 1/5000, 1/2500 and 1/624 LD50. Results. Embryotoxic and teratogenic effects were not detected, significant changes in reproductive toxicity were established at the maximum dose (for parents and offspring). Limitations. In study, there are no data on the study of organ tissues, nor have the processes of cell damage as a result of exposure to a new technical product derived from the benzoyl urea class been studied. Conclusion. The conducted studies have confirmed that the studied product of the benzoyl urea class belongs to low-risk compounds in terms of embryotoxicity and teratogenicity; moderately dangerous in terms of its effect on the reproductive function of warm-blooded (rats).

Comparison of Pesticide Residue Levels in Tomatoes from Open Fields, Greenhouses, Markets and Consumers in Kirinyaga County, Kenya

The study was carried out to determine and compare pesticide residue levels in tomatoes from Mwea Irrigation Scheme. Thirty five tomato samples of Rambo variety randomly collected from open fields, greenhouses, markets and consumers were analyzed using QuEChERS method. Results showed that pesticide residue leve;s from greenhouse tomatoes was higher compared to open fields, markets and consumers. Alpha-cypermethrin level in greenhouse tomatoes (0.0871±0.0087mg/kg) was significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher than from consumers (0.0218±0.0061mg/kg) while difenoconazole from greenhouse tomatoes (0.2597±0.0522 mg/kg) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than from the open field (0.0295±0.0014 mg/kg). Carbendazim level in greenhouse (1.2341±0.1667 mg/kg) tomatoes was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher than from open fields (0.0596±0.0178 mg/kg), markets (0.1160±0.0490 mg/kg) and consumers (0.0494±0.0155 mg/kg). Imidacloprid in greenhouse tomatoes (0.1446±0.0086 mg/kg) was significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher than from the markets (0.0236±0.0019 mg/kg) and consumers (0.0170±0.0017 mg/kg). High pesticide residue levels in tomatoes are a health concern for consumers. Enforcing the food safety laws, enhancing farmer training on safe use of pesticides and creating awareness on pesticide risks would promote production of uncontaminated crops consumed locally.

External Supervision, Face Consciousness, and Pesticide Safety Use: Evidence from Sichuan Province, China.

Clarifying the factors influencing the safe use of pesticide is essential for scientific decision making to effectively manage pesticide use and promote sustainable agroecological development. The study aims to explore the factors influencing farmers’ safe use of pesticides from the perspectives of external supervision and face consciousness. Using survey data covering 534 farm households in Sichuan province, this study empirically analyzes the influence mechanisms of external supervision, face consciousness, and their interaction terms on farmers’ safe use of pesticides by employing the binary logit and IV-2SLS model, and further reveals their intergenerational differences on this basis. The results show that external supervision and positive face consciousness have significantly positive effects on pesticide safety use by farmers; market supervision and ability-type face, respectively, play the biggest role among them. Furthermore, there is an interaction effect between external supervision and face consciousness with respect to pesticide safety use. Farmers with different generation farms are influenced differently by external supervision and face consciousness. The behaviors of the new generation farmers to safely use pesticide are principally influenced by government supervision, market supervision, and ability-type face; in contrast, the ones of the older generation farmers are mainly influenced by market supervision, organization supervision, and relationship-type face.

Assessment of farmers’ knowledge and pesticides management in cocoa production in Ghana

The use of pesticides to control pests and diseases has been a measure to increase cocoa productivity in Ghana. However, regular use and indiscriminate application of pesticides have unintended environmental and health risks. This study assesses the types of pesticides used by cocoa farmers in Ghana, sources and knowledge on application rate, frequency of application and factors that could influence farmers’ choice of source of pesticides, knowledge on application rate, and frequency of application. Two hundred and forty cocoa farmers from the Dormaa West District of Ghana were interviewed from December 2014 to February 2015 using a pre-tested questionnaire. The results showed that farmers sourced pesticides from agrochemical shops and fellow farmers, with some benefiting from the government of Ghana's ‘‘free mass cocoa spraying’’ program. A majority (51.2%) of the farmers sprayed more than three times per cocoa season. In addition, 35% of the farmers dangerously mixed two or more different pesticides together when spraying. Gender, age, educational level, and income from cocoa farming significantly influenced the choice of source of pesticide while knowledge on pesticides application rate was significantly influenced by educational level of farmers, access to extension services, presence of agrochemical shop, membership of a farm-based organization, and age of a farmer. Frequency of pesticides application was significantly influenced by educational level of farmers, access to extension services, presence of agrochemical shop, membership of the farmer-based organization, knowledge of Ghana COCOBOD recommendation on pesticides application rate, income from cocoa farming, and age of farmers. The majority of the farmers mixed two or more pesticides together during spraying. The limitation of this research is the inability to carry out the survey in other cocoa-growing districts within the study region. There is a need for the training of farmers on the safe use of pesticides by the Ghana COCOBOD to effectively manage pests and diseases and reduce environmental pollution.

Food Safety Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Food Handlers along the Rice Value Chain of Uganda

Food handlers play a critical role in controlling food contamination from “farm to fork”. Therefore, inadequate knowledge, poor attitudes and improper practices by food handlers pose a serious challenge to food safety. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of food handlers along the rice value chain of Uganda with the view of understanding factors that influence contamination of rice with aflatoxins, heavy metals and pesticides. A cross-sectional study, using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews with 252 respondents was conducted in Butaleja, Gulu, Hoima, Kampala, Mutukula, Mbale and Mbarara districts. Categorical data was expressed as frequencies and percentages. The unique predictors of the KAP of rice handlers were defined using multivariate linear regression analysis. About 221 (87.7%) food handlers knew about the occurrence and causes of aflatoxins contamination in rice. Changes in colour (81.7%) and a musty smell (82.9%) were perceived to indicate the presence of aflatoxins. The main pre- and post-harvest aflatoxin preventative practices identified were growing resistant rice varieties (82.9%) and proper drying (79.8%). Food handlers were generally not knowledgeable (73.4%) about heavy metal contamination in rice. All food handlers used pesticides; however, 68.3% had never received formal training in pesticide use. Majority (86.1%) of food handlers were aware of the harmful effects of pesticides but on the contrary, this did not significantly change their practices towards safe pesticide use. At multivariate level, education was the unique predictor for aflatoxins and heavy metal contamination. Pesticide contamination was mainly influenced by district of residence. Therefore, appropriate educational programs organized to train food handlers can promote food safety in the rice value chain of Uganda. Interventions by regulatory agencies to strengthen enforcement of laws related to contaminants through regular surveillance at the farm and retail outlets are necessary to ensure compliance by food handlers.

Pesticide toxicity assessment and geographic information system (GIS) application in small-scale rice farming operations, Thailand

The objectives of the study were to evaluate the impact of pesticide exposure on farmer health during non-active rice farming and active rice farming periods and present the change in the individual cholinesterase activities (%reduction) on the geographic information system (GIS) mapping in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase (AChE and BuChE) activities were monitored during both study periods using Test-mate ChE (Model 400). The location of paddy fields was specified using Garmin geographic positioning system MAP 62s. Fifty-eight farmers who participated in this study had an average age of 49.2 ± 6.9 years. Higher prevalence of all health symptoms was observed among farmer participants during the active rice farming period comparing to the non-active rice farming period (p < 0.01). Furthermore, farmers had significantly lower activities of AChE and BuChE during the active rice farming period comparing to the non-active rice farming period (p < 0.01). Our findings indicate that the GIS mapping indicate that the cases with a significant enzyme inhibition have dispersed across the agricultural and the nearby residential areas. This, investigation can be used to promote safer use of pesticides among farmers and mitigate pesticide exposure among residents living in close proximity to a rice field.

Practices and challenges of wheat producer farmers on safe pesticide use in Basoliben district, East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia

Pesticide safety has become a major concern in recent years. Thus, this research was initiated to assess practices and challenges of safe pesticide use in Basoliben district. To address the objective of the study, a mixed research approach was used; and 302 sample farmers were selected using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using an interview schedule; focus group discussion and key informant interview; and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, and percentages) and narration. The study revealed that farmers have good practices of spraying machine calibration and caring for wind direction during spraying. However, the practice of keeping the re-entry period was not used by farmers. Similarly, the hygiene practices of changing clothes, bathing right after spraying, and washing clothes separately were inadequately implemented. Farmers employed improper practices such as spraying pesticides repeatedly, employing unlabeled pesticides, and utilizing pesticide cocktails to dispose of pesticides. The farmers did not also follow the instructions of labels, leaflets, and advice given by the local agricultural office. Thus, the regional government needs to enact and enforce pesticide safety laws and regulations.