Pesticide Utilization, Practices, and Their Effect on Honeybees in North Gonder, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The use of pesticides is increasing from time to time due to their significant importance in maximizing crop production. This situation raised concerns about their potentially adverse effects on honeybee health and the environment, particularly in countries where regulations are not strictly implemented and farmers’ knowledge of safe handling procedures is inadequate. This study was conducted in Chilga district, North Gonder, to assess utilization, types, and supply routes of pesticides. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using semistructured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 353 respondents (155 beekeepers and 198 nonbeekeepers), and a semistructured questionnaire was administered to the selected respondents. The result indicated a rapid increment in pesticide use regardless of its recent introduction to the district. Out of the ten different kinds of pesticides being used in the study area (2,4-D, diazinon 60%, glycel 41%, diazinon 60%, DDT, a mixture of 2-4-D with glycel, mancozeb 80%, malathion 50%, endosulfan 35%, agrothoate 40%, and ethiosulfane 10%), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, glycel, diazinon, and endosulfan 35% are the most widely used ones. Most of the farmers access these pesticides from illegal traders. About 71.3% of the respondents had no access to advice, and 86.9% of them had no training on how to apply pesticides safely to themselves, to the honeybees, and to the environment. The respondents keep extra pesticides at home and use empty pesticide containers for storing food items. In general, integrated efforts are needed to make farmers in Chilga district aware of their knowledge gap on the safe handling and utilization of pesticides.