Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Health Effects Pertaining the Use of Tomato Pesticides in Agricultural Practices at Ilula and Nyalumbu Wards in Kilolo District

Abstract

It has been shown that farmers with limited knowledge of the use and safe handling of pesticides may suffer exposure which results in adverse health effects. The statistical evidences of Ilula and Nyalumbu wards (found in Kilolo district of Iringa region) show that small-scale and large scale tomato farmers who are 97.2% use pesticides for pest control, and only 2.8% do not use. Information was obtained from those tomato farmers to determine extent and types of pesticides and knowledge, attitude and practices on the use of such pesticides, and potential harms or effects from pesticide use. Standardized interview guides as well as observational checklists were employed. The number of respondents used in the study was 120. Many farmers (60.8%) do not monitor wind while spraying. The study shows that 43.1% of farmers store their pesticides in the special store that store the agricultural equipments while 1.0% store in kitchen. Moreover, study shows that 55.9% of farmers do wash their hands without using soap and water after spraying rather 34.3% among 55.9% wash their hands using ripened tomatoes. Also, only 35.3% immediately change their clothes after spraying and only 4.9% take shower after spraying while 3.9% do none. The study indicates that, farmers  use Personal Protective Gear(PPG)- (coat, long pants, boots or closed toed shoes, gloves, masks, and a hat), with the majority (88.2%) of farmers wearing no or partial PPG. It shows that 88.2% wear coat, while only 3.9% wear masks. The findings revealed that large and small-scale tomato farmers lack adequate knowledge on the safe and good use of pesticides. Knowledge deficits include the use of PPG when applying pesticides, the proper handling and disposal of pesticides, and the possible individual, family and community health impact on exposure of pesticide use. The goal of this study is to promote awareness of the risks associated with pesticides usage even in small-scale farming practices. It is a hope that the policy formulators will become aware for the need of interventions to be developed which can educate and support the farming communities, the general populations and the environment in Ilula and Nyalumbu wards.

Keywords: Knowledge, attitudes, practices, potential harms