Patterns of Chemical Pesticide Use and Determinants of Self-Reported Symptoms on Farmers Health: A Case Study in Kano State for Kura Local Government Area of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Today modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of pesticides and an astonishing 150 million tons of fertilizers and 6 million tons of pesticides are yearly and routinely applied to fields and crops with the purpose of increasing agricultural production. As many of these pesticides have only become a problem because of the direct actions to humans. Hence, instilling confidence and enriching farmers begins with recognizing the need for pesticide use modification, whether through existing or new technologies, such as efficiency, cost reduction or effective decision-making. Objective: The aim of the present study was to assesses the frequency of farmer’s self-reported symptoms in Kano State, Nigeria. Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was established that focuses on sociodemographic characteristics, education and experience on the adverse health effects associated with the use of the pesticide, description of job practices and a list of used pesticides on the farms in the study area. Of the 400 copies of the administered questionnaires, 392 copies were retrieved and found useable, which represents 98% of the administered questionnaires. Results: Results showed that 46.2% had been using the pesticide for 1-5 years, 48.1% had used it for 10-15, regularity of these symptoms reveals that the majority of the respondents experienced these symptoms on a regular basis (56.1% for headache, 53.8% for stomach cramps, 56.5% for muscles weakness, 56.8% for vomiting, 58.3% for dizziness, 40.7% for shortness of breath, 45.5% for blurred vision and 66.7% for eye irritation. Conclusions: It is important to focus on the use of pesticides in farming practice as it speaks to the emphasis it places on farmers regarding their income, health and wellbeing as danger lurks around the corners for Kura farmers in Kano State, which are already facing challenges from all manners of long-term health risk exposure. This of course should worry the state and federal government. Government must increasingly play the critical role of intercessor for farmers, as this is very much in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) which emphasize on no poverty (goal 1), zero hunger (goal 2), ensure good health and well-being (goal 3) towards strengthening agriculture and fast-rack rural development. There is therefore need to intervene by sustaining efforts to reduce food contamination through educating the farmers.