What is it about?
Agrochemical inappropriate usage by farmers in Nigeria pose some health and environmental risks. The research aimed at establishing the socioeconomic pressure factors behind these practices and also assesses the effectiveness of measures into reducing the risky use of agrochemicals. Data were collected from over 800 respondents comprising of farmers and agrochemical marketers using a multistage sampling technique across six states in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and detailed case studies were employed to explore socio-economic antecedents of agrochemical application.
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Why is it important?
Farmers in Nigeria are using agrochemicals inappropriately which pose health and environmental risks. Usage of agrochemicals are primarily aimed at ensuring abundant food supply, food safety and hence, food security for humans. It may have a negative impact on soil biological activity and diversity through direct or indirect actions. Understanding farmers' perceptions about agrochemical usage becomes imperative.
Perspectives
Chemicalised fertilisers or agrochemicals are valuable allies intensifying agriculture production, but they can also have a positive or negative impact on soil or crop production cycles, surfaces if they are not managed and applied effectively or efficiently. Therefore, farmers' perceptions of agrochemicals vary across lines and revolves around health risks, application instructions, perceived behavioral control, and socio-economic factors. Hence, the following measures are recommended to government and stakeholders: incentives to facilitate the use of sustainable practices by encouraging financial rewards, extensive education, and training on the benefits of sustainable practices as well as new legislation to reduce supply of reckless agrochemicals.
Dr Ikechi Kelechi Agbugba
York St John University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exploring data sources and farmers' perceptions regarding agrochemical use and food safety in Nigeria, JSFA reports, July 2024, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/jsf2.212.
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