Improper Use of Pesticides In Nigeria

Blog Assignment #2

Thomas Campbell

In the Irepodun/ifelodun local government area of Ekiti Sate Nigeria, the use of pesticides is being examined. The study and investigation covers a random sample of 150 farming households in the area. 86.7 percent of the pesticides being used in the area are extremely dangerous according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and are banned in many developed nations. Practically all of the farmers using the pesticides have either

received no training or inadequate training in safe pesticide use. The consequences that the farmers have had to face because of improper use of pesticides are eye irritation, skin problems, nausea, headache, and vomiting. In addition, the majority of the farmers sprayed the pesticides near water bodies, which is dangerous for their health and the health of the whole ecosystem. Implementing a stricter pesticide regulation and monitoring policy would be beneficial to both the health of the farmers and the health of the environment itself.

Improper application and use of pesticides can pose a very real threat to human health and the environment. This can lead to direct and indirect environmental effects; an indirect effect could be loss of biodiversity or an irreversible change to an ecosystem. They can be harmful to humans and can be absorbed through the skin or lungs and consumed in drinking water. The adverse affects can include headaches, dizziness, convulsions, epilepsy, stroke, respiratory disorders, leukemia, stomach and intestinal problems, spasm, heart attacks, cancer, brain and liver tumors, and death.

The reason pesticides are used is to keep pests from harming crops and to provide a greater yield of food. Pesticides have accomplished this and have provided a greater availability of food all year round. Without the use of pesticides on rice and cocoa crops, 45 percent of the production would be ruined due to pests and disease.

Lack of proper education is the main reason for the large impact that pesticides have had on the public health and the health of the farmers. It has become a large national concern in Nigeria and many other developing countries.

The study assessed the different types of pesticides used by the farmers. It also assessed the farmers’ opinions of the safety of pesticides and how easily exposed they can be. The third thing the study looked at was the influence the pesticides had on the health of the farmers and their symptoms. Finally, it also looked at the farmers’ opinions on the potential impact on biodiversity as a result of the improper use of pesticides. In the study, the farmers were surveyed on the topic of pesticides and on their application process. The farmers were asked about their age, sex, household size, education level, and marital status. They were also asked about the types of pesticides that they used and their methods for applying the products. In the last section of the survey, they were asked about any health issues that they had that could relate to the use of pesticides. The majority of the farmers interviewed were male and middle aged. A mere 26 percent of the farmers were literate and could understand the instructions on the pesticide labels.

The large majority of the farmers purchase their pesticides from local shops, and only 16.7 percent of them receive proper information from agricultural extension agents. The farmers buy from local shops because it is cheaper and easily accessible. Children are sometimes included in these activities and this exposes the whole community to the dangers of pesticides, not just the farmers.

It is vital that the necessary protection should be worn when handling pesticides. 90 percent of the farmers interviewed and surveyed confessed that they did not do anything or wear anything to protect themselves. The farmers blamed lack of information and lack of money for not protecting themselves and their families properly. They thought that the symptoms they experienced were just because they were tired after working so hard. All of the farmers believed that pesticides were potentially harmful to their health and to the environment, but almost all of them did nothing to protect themselves. The farmers also improperly stored their pesticides. They kept them in their sitting rooms, bedrooms, or even where they keep their food. Once they have used up all their pesticide, unfortunately the majority of the farmers would wash the containers and use them to hold food or water. This is a serious health hazard and puts their whole family in danger. Other farmers would just leave the empty containers in the fields when they are finished. This poses a serious threat to the quality of nearby water bodies and the health of children who might play in the fields.

This investigation revealed an astounding amount of misuse of pesticides in the Ekiti State of Nigeria. The lack of proper education and the lack of formal training all combined to make one very large problem. Farmers should have access to regular training to encourage safe use of pesticides. In addition, the government should buckle down on their efforts to control and monitor the distribution of pesticides.

Works Cited

Oluwole, Oluwafemi, and Robert A. Cheke. "Health and environmental impacts of pesticide use practices: a case study of farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria." International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 7.3 (2009): 153-164. Web. 14 Oct 2010. .