Evaluation of the impact of effective management practices in mitigating the toxicity symptoms of pesticides preparation and storage in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study Evaluated the Impact of Effective Management Practices in Mitigating the Toxicity Symptoms of Pesticides Preparation, Storage and Application in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Structured Questionnaires were used to obtained information from the respondents. Descriptive statistics comprising frequency distribution tables and percentages and were used for Data Analysis. Likert scale was used to determine farmer’s perception on the toxicity symptoms of pesticides of pesticides preparation, storage and application employed by farmers when handling pesticides. The result of the study showed that majority of the respondents (90%) were male while female formed the minority in pesticide usage with only (10%). The study also showed that all the respondents (100%) were married and engaged in agricultural activities. The study further revealed that all the respondents never had any formal training on the use of pesticide from either governmental or non -governmental organizations. The research study also found out that all (100%) of the respondents were not aware of the toxicity of pesticides during preparation, storage and application. Likert Scale Analysis showed a negative perception by farmers on awareness of pesticide toxicity during preparation, storage and application. On perception of the respondents on the toxicity of pesticides during preparation, storage and application, the study revealed that Nausea, Dizziness, Diarrhea, Respiratory Difficulty, Skin Irritation, Rashes, Fever, Peeling of the Skin, Vomiting, and Headache were the serious toxicity effects of pesticide. It is concluded that respondents had negative perception on pesticide management of toxicity of pesticides during preparation, storage and application. It is therefore recommended that appropriate authorities should enforce the use of protective clothing, appropriate equipment and correct handling practices when using pesticides. Existing pesticide regulations and monitoring policies should be enforced. Government should also intensify efforts at registering and controlling distribution of pesticides and banning hazardous ones. It should also enforce the making of less toxic pesticides available to farmers.