Perceptions of Environmental Effects of Pesticides Use in Vegetable Production by Farmers in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Farmers' pest management practices, awareness and their perception about the effects of pesticides' use on the environment were discussed in this study. Data were collected from the vegetable farmers who operate along the banks of the rivers, streams and dams at the outskirts of the city. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 128 vegetable farmers who use pesticides in vegetable production. Interview schedule was used to obtain data from the farmers. Frequency, means, percentages were used to describe the data and Chisquare was employed to test the relationships between some selected farmers' characteristics and their perception. Findings revealed that a wide variety of pesticides were used by the farmers. A high level of awareness on the risks associated with the use of pesticides was found among the respondents. However, majority (85%) of the farmers did not use protective clothes when applying pesticides. Farmers showed favourable attitudes about the risk of pesticide usage. Farmers' age, education and contacts with extension agent had positive and significant associations with perceived effects of pesticides use on the environment. The intensification of extension services to educate farmers on safe use of pesticides in vegetable production is recommended.