EFFECTIVENESS OF STAKEHOLDERS’ INFORMATION ON PESTICIDE HANDLING KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF FARMERS IN SHEBEDINO WOREDA, SIDAMA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Pesticides are widely used in agricultural production to control pests, diseases and maintain high product quality. Increase pesticide use has led to potentially adverse effect on human health and environment, particularly; in those where society used inadequate pesticide handling is practiced. This study aimed to assess effectiveness of a stakeholders’ information on pesticide handling knowledge and practice of farmers in Shebedino Woreda, Sidama Regional state, Ethiopia. Description cross-sectional research design was employed and study kebele were selected by purposive sampling. HH were selected by systematic random techniques. A total 222 farmers participated in this study with semi-structured question interviews, focus group discussion and field observations on farm and 13 key informants involved. Majority (81.1%) of farmers in study area were without having formal education or illiterate. Thus, majority of farmers did not acknowledged that pesticides were harmful to human health and environment (94.1%) and (94.6%) respectively. Effectiveness of pesticide information significantly influenced by educational status, Farmers who attended high school and above have understood more other than those who have no formal education(X2=23.66, P<0.001). Farmers obtained pesticide information frequently from agricultural extension worker and labels more likely to use personal protective equipment when compared with farmers obtained pesticide information from other farmers(X2=42.66, p<0.001). Above half of farmers reported that they did store empty container and spraying equipment in home (54%) and (98.6%) respectively. Of farmers that have attended of training could handle more properly practice when compared with untrained and illiterate(X2=30.27, P<0.01). 85.1% of the farmers did not wash contaminated clothes separately. Even though farmers in the present study are increasingly using pesticides, there are numerous gaps in practice, information and knowledge. To reduce farmer pesticide exposure, government should improve farmers' education level, facilitate training and improve farmers' source of information to sustain effectiveness of pesticide information