Knowledge and attitudes of safe agrochemical handling by users in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agrochemical use has been increasing in both developing and the developed nations. The unsafe handling and use of agrochemicals can lead to accumulation of hazardous chemicals in the body, with resultant adverse effects on health. This quantitative cross sectional study sought to understand the knowledge and attitudes of agrochemical users towards safe chemical handling. Study was conducted among 260 farmers in Plateau State, Nigeria. Data on background knowledge and attitude of agrochemical users were collected using a structured paper based, interviewer-administered questionnaire. A Chi square test was used to assess the relationship between demographic characteristics and engagement in safe agrochemical handling showed a statistically significant relationship between marital status and engagement in safe agrochemical handling X² (2, N = 260) = 7.34, p <. 05 and level of education X² (4, N = 260) = 35.12, p <. 05. Results of Binary logistic regression indicated that the variable training on safe agrochemical handling with an odds ratio 8.31 was a good predictor for safe agrochemical handling. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that the most practiced precautions by participants were washing work clothes separately (56.9%) and taking a shower soon after application of agrochemicals (53.6%). However, an important finding in this study however is the low level of adoption for the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Priority should be given to developing safety educational and certification programs for farmers with emphasis on the safe handling practices.

Keywords: Safe handling, agrochemicals, health