Discover Environment (Dec 2024)

Health issues and management practices of pesticide exposure in Ethiopia, East Africa

  • Minbale Aschale,
  • Bitew K. Dessie,
  • Endaweke Assegide,
  • Bamlaku Tadesse,
  • Tena Alamirew,
  • Jaime Amezaga,
  • Claire L. Walsh,
  • Gete Zeleke

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44274-024-00176-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 1
pp. 1 – 19

Abstract

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Abstract Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture for pest control, but their improper usage and handling can lead to high farmer exposures, negative health effects, and pollution of water bodies. The purpose of this study was to investigate farmer’s perceptions of the effects of pesticide runoff on water bodies, and to describe their self-reported knowledge of appropriate pesticide use, methods of application, sources of information, and related health issues and management strategies in Ethiopia. Data were collected via structured questionnaire, which was administered as an in-person interview to 582 farmers who cultivated vegetables. To assess unsafe pesticide handling practices, researchers observed the storage of pesticides and the condition of personal protective equipment and asked farmers about their pesticide disposal methods. The study found that nearly 87.97% of farmers reported mixing pesticides using a stick or their bare hands. Most respondents (88.83%) mixed pesticides to spray just on their farmland, and some (10.14%) were near water sources. It revealed that farmers have a low level of awareness about the risks and effects associated with pesticides and do not follow safe practices. Out of the farmers who had utilized pesticides, 55.67% reported encountering health issues associated with pesticide exposure. To reduce exposure and health risks, the study suggests implementing comprehensive interventions, such as integrated pest management, safety training, and alternative control methods.

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