Assessment of Farm Level Pesticide Use among Maize Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the harmful and beneficial effects of pesticide use in maize production. It also assessed the knowledge, attitude and practice of farmers about the use of pesticides. Data for the study were collected from 120 randomly sampled maize farmers across nine (9) local government areas of Oyo state. Majority (65%) found pesticides to be harmful while 39 per cent found it to be beneficial. Results further shows diverse attitude of farmers to pesticide use. About 95 per cent make use of hygienic practices while large numbers (66%) neglect safety rules due to poor education and awareness. Overall, there is evidence of excessive use of pesticide by farmers which consequently affects their health negatively. The use of pesticide is also found to contaminate water body. Major policy thrusts for devising pesticide regulation and effective implementation, increasing farmers' awareness of the effects of pesticide use, and increase provision safety materials are suggested to safeguard maize farmers in their pursuit of agricultural livelihoods.

Key words: Pesticide use, Maize, Farmers' awareness